Researchers’ perception of the factors regarding unethical research practices: a cross-sectional study
Abstract
Background: Researchers' understanding of scientific misconduct is limited. It is aimed to investigate perceptions of unethical practises influenced by self-perceived factors through questionnaire.
Methodology: A cross-sectional survey of 118 faculty members. Responses were analyzed using IBM SPSS for quantitative data and N-Vivo for qualitative analysis. Chi-square, Fisher’s Exact, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn’s post-hoc tests were used with significance at P < 0.05. Thematic analysis was conducted in N-Vivo following text coding and duplication adjustments.
Results: Significant differences were found in factors influencing unethical practises. Experienced individuals rated 'investigators' knowledge of misconduct rules' (P = 0.039) and ‘knowledge of misconduct rules' (P = 0.031) as strong influences. Gender differences were seen in 'belief in low subject risk' (P = 0.019): 36.4% males and 44.3% females viewing it as strong influencer. Education influenced 'My knowledge of misconduct rules' (P = 0.014): 57.7% medical graduates, 34.3% post-graduate residents, and 71.4% Ph.D. scholars rate it as strong influencing factor. Age differences were also noted in ‘research staff's support for misconduct rules’ (P = 0.003), with older respondents finding it valuable.
Conclusion: Experience, gender, education, and age affect the perceptions related to unethical research practices. Experienced researchers prioritise misconduct rules more than younger ones. Institutional pressures, penalties, and lack of awareness are strong determinants for unethical research-related practices.
Keywords: Faculty; Perceptions; Plagiarism; Questionnaire; Research Ethics; Scientific Misconduct.
Citation: Sadiqa A, Chishti FF, Ahmed HA, Fatima Z. Researchers’ perception of the factors regarding unethical research practices; a cross-sectional study. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2025;29(9):1240-48. DOI: 10.35975/apic.v29i9.3058
Received: May 09, 2025; Revised: October 26, 2025; Accepted: October 27, 2025
