The Fraud Triangle: A Comparative Analysis of Research Misconduct

In the current study, opinions of faculty from Michigans baccalaureate degree-granting universities on the ethicality of research behaviors were examined. In the quantitative method and descriptive survey design, descriptive and comparative statistical tests were used to analyze differences in opinions on plagiarism, falsification, and fabrication based upon the variables of publication workload, levels of funding, and research focus. Hypotheses testing revealed no significant statistical difference in opinions on plagiarism and fabrication, but differences did exist for falsification. A significant statistical difference for falsification occurred based upon funding levels. Leadership, especially from highly funded institutions, need to examine why this difference exists. Future qualitative research and future quantitative research with a narrower focus, broader sampling, and modified survey are recommended.