Research Misconduct

Misconduct in research can take many forms. However, “Research Misconduct,” as defined by federal regulations, specifically refers to:

  • Fabrication: Making up data or results and recording or reporting them
  • Falsification: Manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing or omitting data or results, such that the research is not accurately represented in the research record
  • Plagiarism: The appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit. 

Questionable Research Practices

Concerns or disputes that do not rise to the level of research misconduct should be addressed and resolved within the appropriate research group, division, or department. These issues may include, but are not limited to, disagreements about authorship or attribution of credit, access to or use of data, interpretation of results, differences of professional opinion, or honest error.

For guidance on authorship criteria—such as who qualifies for authorship, who should not be listed, and how authors should be ordered—refer to established disciplinary standards and relevant institutional or publisher guidelines. Please visit the Office of the Ombuds’ 

Learn more about research misconduct:

Report on research misconduct concerns:

  • Submit the Research Misconduct Allegation Intake Form

For more information regarding Research Misconduct, contact the Office of Research Compliance at 254-576-6030 or email researchintegrity@tarleton.edu.
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Responding to Allegations of Research Misconduct

There are three stages of response to an allegation of misconduct:

(1) assessment, (2) inquiry, and (3) investigation.

Each of these stages is explained fully in university Rule 15.99.03.T1 Research Misconduct

 All stages of response to an allegation are confidential to the full extent made possible by the law and characterized by respect and fairness towards the individuals involved. When the concern(s) and/or allegation(s) are expressed in good faith, reasonable steps are taken to protect against retaliation directed toward the position and reputation of the individual reporting research misconduct. The individual(s) responding to alleged misconduct are also treated with fairness and respect, and reasonable steps are taken to ensure that procedural safeguards listed in system regulations and in university rules and SAPs are followed.

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Research Misconduct Allegation Intake Form

This form is used to confidentially report concerns or allegations related to potential research misconduct, including fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism (See Section 3).

All fields are optional, and this form is designed to help guide the reporter in making a sufficiently detailed complaint (allegation).

Information provided will be kept confidential under Tarleton’s Research Misconduct Policy and Procedures (15.99.03.T1 Research Misconduct) and applicable laws. Tarleton State University policies (08.01.01.T1 Civil Rights Compliance) prohibits retaliation against individuals who, in good faith, raise concerns or participate in matters related to research integrity.

If you have questions or additional concerns, please email researchintegrity@tarleton.edu , or call