Falsification, as defined by U.S. Federal Research Misconduct Policy, involves what action?

Falsification, as defined by U.S. Federal Research Misconduct Policy, pertains to manipulating research materials or processes, including altering data or results in a way that distorts the research findings. This could involve changing experimental procedures, omitting critical data points, or otherwise tweaking the research to achieve a desired outcome that does not reflect the true findings of the study. This manipulation undermines the integrity of the research process and the trustworthiness of the results, which are core principles of ethical research practices.

Recording data exactly as collected accurately reflects the first step in research integrity, while incorrectly analyzing results, though a serious issue, does not fit the definition of falsification specifically. Discussing findings with co-researchers is a standard and acceptable practice in collaborative research. Therefore, the correct identification of falsification as the manipulation of research materials or processes reinforces the importance of ethical standards in research.