Research Misconduct
Research misconduct is defined by the federal government as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results.
- Fabrication is making up data or results and recording or reporting them.
- Falsification is manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing or omitting data or results such that the research method or result is not accurately represented in the research record.
- Plagiarism is the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit. Plagiarism does not encompass disagreements over order of authorship, rights to publish, or the use of ideas among collaborators.
Honest error or differences of opinion are not considered research misconduct.
Reporting Allegations
Allegations involving possible misconduct in research should be brought to the attention of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development (401-874-4576) or the Associate Vice President for Research Administration, 401-874-2636, as promptly as possible.
Policies and Procedures
The University’s Procedures for Dealing with and Reporting Possible Misconduct in Research is written to comply with federal regulations requiring such procedures and also to maintain and enhance the integrity of research.
- Research misconduct policy and guidance are located on The Research Resources page.
Resources and Quick Links
- U.S. Health and Human Services – Handling Misconduct and Responsible Conduct of Research Educational Resources