Academic Deviance

Falsified Research

In recent history, there have been several high-profile instances of falsified research. Three examples include a physicist who doctored data to claim discovery of several heavy elements on the periodic table, a geneticist who falsified evidence on cloning a human embryo, and a biologist who fabricated research attempting to link a vaccine to autism and bowel disease. This last case of fraud was an elaborate hoax so that the scientist and a lawyer could file a lawsuit against the manufacturers of the vaccine. [Page 6]An unfortunate latent effect of this fraud is that there is a persistent rumor among laypersons that vaccines are harmful. While the vaccine fraud was a simple case of greed, most instances of fraudulent research are motivated by the researcher's desire to find acceptance or even praise from peers. It is important to note that much is riding on the performance of the researcher. To receive a promotion or to retain his or her position at an institution, the researcher must publish peer-reviewed articles or books describing the results of his or her investigations. Publications over a period of several years are essential to receive tenure, an academic form of guaranteed employment. A new faculty member may be given a certain amount of research funds and equipment on his or her initial hire. However, additional funds must come from grants from various public and private organizations. Winning these grants will often depend on the previous success of the researcher. In essence, receiving the tools to help generate successful research, in turn, significantly depends on prior successful research. It can be frustratingly difficult to break into this cycle. Hence, the pressure to perform valuable research is obviously quite intense. This pressure, combined with the fact that research is often performed with a great deal of autonomy, can unfortunately create a strong motivation for falsifying data.

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