FACTORS OF RESEARCH MISCONDUCT: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

This study delves into the complex factors that shape research misconduct among university students, conducting in depth interviews with 15 under and post graduate students from the Department of Psychology. Thematic analysis revealed that personal dispositions, from personality of a student to one's struggle with time management and writing challenges, are frequently amplified by an environment rife with systemic barriers like connectivity barriers, a lack of crucial resources, and the relentless squeeze of time pressure. These on-the-ground difficulties can manifest directly within the research process, where a poorly chosen topic can become a gateway to limited literature access, ultimately culminating in the serious ethical breach of data misrepresentation. This research provides a nuanced understanding of the on-the-ground realities faced by students, offering a framework for targeted institutional and educational interventions to foster a culture of research integrity.