Evaluating research misconduct policies at major research universities: A pilot study

Author: Ann Lind, Rebecca

Source: Accountability in Research: Policies and Quality Assurance, Volume 12, Number 3, July-September 2005 , pp. 241-262(22)

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Ltd

Abstract:

This pilot study evaluates the accessibility and usefulness of the research misconduct (RM) policies at the top-25 universities as ranked by NIH and NSF grant awards. Measuring accessibility demonstrates how readily-available policies are to the people they affect. Evaluating the range of policy content indicates whether policies and procedures on research misconduct are “useful” as opposed to merely “minimal” (Rhoades, 2003). On average, it took five clicks to get from a university's home page to its RM policies. Only nine policies were accessed within three or fewer clicks. Policy information was coded into categories comprising a total of 20 topic areas, which were then grouped into five content domains. The policies reveal a broad range of usefulness. Some provide relevant details on almost every topic area, while others leave most questions unanswered. Three of the 20 topic areas are almost universally covered in the policies analyzed. In contrast, five other topic areas average less than half of the information which could have been included. These policies, from elite U.S. research universities, may serve as role models; as such they should perhaps be held to the highest standards. If the message sent by a policy lacks clarity and precision, it should be revised to include an appropriate level of detail.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08989620500217560

Affiliations: 1: Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research; Associate Professor, Department of Communication, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, U.S.A.

Publication date: 2005-07-01

More about this publication?

• Information for Authors
• Subscribe to this Title
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Biotechnology ,  Chemistry (General) ,  Toxicology
• By this author: Ann Lind, Rebecca

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers