Individual datasets that do not belong to any series.
The Research Integrity Barometer 2023 examines the implementation of the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in the Finnish scientific and research community during 2019-2022. The survey explores sources of research ethics information, familiarity with guidelines, and misconduct and related suspicions.
Respondents were asked how well they are familiar with key RCR guidelines (e.g. the RCR guidelines, authorship practices, researcher's curriculum vitae guidelines, and The European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity) as well as the research ethics support person system within their organisations. In addition, respondents were asked about the various sources (e.g. organisation, funders, publications, the scientific community, media) from which they have obtained information on research ethics. The section on RCR competence examined the availability of research ethics training, participation in such training, and respondents' self-assessed level of competence. Respondents were also asked to evaluate the adequacy of their competence and their need for further training.
Respondents were asked how often they had suspected research misconduct (e.g. plagiarism, fabrication, falsification of observations or results) and disregard for the responsible conduct of research (e.g. neglect of research permits, deficiencies in data handling, authorship disputes, self-plagiarism, exaggeration of merits). This was followed by questions on respondents' knowledge of reporting processes, experiences of making allegations, and barriers to reporting, such as loyalty, fear of consequences, or distrust in the fairness of procedures. Finally, the survey examined the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on compliance with the responsible conduct of research.
Background variables include respondents' research experience (in years), highest degree obtained, field of education (by disciplinary classification), country where the highest degree was completed, employing organisation, main work tasks, and the field of science of the respondent's current position or research.
The barometer was conducted as an anonymously completed online survey. TENK distributed the survey by email to all Finnish universities, universities of applied sciences, and research organisations committed to the TENK guideline Responsible conduct of research and procedures for handling allegations of misconduct in Finland (RCR guideline). Responses were requested from individuals working in research and teaching, research administration, and other research support services. The survey could be completed in Finnish, Swedish, or English. It was disseminated via the organisations' communication channels or in accordance with instructions obtained through research permit procedures, with research integrity contact persons assisting with internal communications as appropriate.