Postgraduate students’ interpretations of research misconduct and their views on enabling research integrity at universities.

Lavisha Deonarian; Raisuyah Bhagwan; Maureen Sibiya

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2114

Authors

Ms Lavisha Deonarian Durban University of Technology
Prof Raisuyah Bhagwan Durban University of Technology
Prof Maureen Nokuthula Sibiya Mangosuthu University of Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2114

Keywords:

Research, ethics, misconduct, health sciences

Abstract

Background

Upholding research ethics is critical within the landscape of postgraduate research in South African higher education. This study, conducted at a University of Technology with postgraduate students in Health Sciences, sought to explore their understanding of research misconduct, strategies to prevent misconduct, and the need for a dedicated module on ethics in Health Sciences.

Method

This study employed a qualitative exploratory research design. The sample consisted of postgraduate students from the Faculty of Health Sciences who registered in 2022. Data were collected from 15 postgraduate students between April and October 2022 using semi-structured interviews to explore their views on research misconduct, strategies to prevent it, and the need for a research ethics module for health science research. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results

Participants comprised 11 females and 4 males, representing disciplines such as Biomedical and Clinical Technology, Chiropractic, Child and Youth Care, Emergency Medical Care and Rescue, Nursing, and Radiography. Ten were master’s students, and five were doctoral candidates, including those enrolled in the generic PhD programme. Three main themes emerged from the data: Research Misconduct, Preventing Research Misconduct, and Research Ethics Training.

Conclusion

Postgraduate students are aware of research misconduct risks, but universities must enforce robust policies, agreements, and ethics training to uphold academic integrity. Misconduct threatens credibility, funding, and participant safety, underscoring the need for proactive institutional safeguards. The absence of a dedicated ethics module reveals a critical curricular gap, warranting urgent integration into health science education.

Recommendations

A comprehensive Research Ethics Module should be developed and implemented across the Faculty of Health Sciences and made compulsory for all postgraduate students upon registration. The University should also formalize a misconduct agreement for students to sign at the start of their research, reinforcing the consequences of misconduct and the importance of upholding ethical standards.

Author Biographies

Ms Lavisha Deonarian, Durban University of Technology

Lavisha Deonarian (Masters in Health Sciences),Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology.

Prof Raisuyah Bhagwan, Durban University of Technology

Full Professor, Department of Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa.

Prof Maureen Nokuthula Sibiya, Mangosuthu University of Technology

Prof Maureen Nokuthula Sibiya, Full Professor, Division of Research, Innovation and Engagement, Mangosuthu University of Technology.

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