Overcoming Data Fabrication in Scientific Research

Abstract

The goal of this study is to identify the factors that contribute to the occurrence of data fabrication in scientific research and to propose prevention methods that can be implemented by research agencies or research institutions. The study is a full literature review; it analyzes previous studies related to the contributing factors of researchers fabricating data and its effects such as the impact on the world of scientific research in addition to damaging the researcher's credibility and causing a loss of public trust in the findings of scientific research. Furthermore, another effect of data fabrication is the retraction of the publication, which will result in the researchers' lifetime ban from conducting scientific research. It is proven that data fabrication is a significant contributor to the retraction of papers, with a percentage of 49.4%. The finding of this study is to come out with several suggestions for prevention strategies for data fabrication, such as empowering training in research integrity and enforcement of academic research policy. It also concludes with recommendations for improving research ethics with a well-designed plan for fostering research integrity in various platforms for a better future.