From the Guidelines
The primary responsibility for investigating allegations of research misconduct belongs to the research institution(s). The correct answer is C. Research institution(s). This is based on the principle that oversight of the ethical conduct of human research includes activities by the primary investigators, the agencies or groups that sponsor the research, the local IRB, and the Office of Human Research Protection (OHRP) in the Department of Health and Human Services 1. When allegations of research misconduct arise, the institution is required to initiate an inquiry, conduct a thorough investigation if warranted, and take appropriate actions based on their findings. Some key points to consider include:
- The institution has established policies and procedures specifically designed to address research misconduct allegations, including committees and administrative structures to ensure fair and thorough investigations while protecting both the integrity of the research process and the rights of all parties involved.
- While the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) provides oversight and guidance for research misconduct proceedings in federally funded research, it does not conduct the initial investigations itself 1.
- Similarly, while individual researchers have ethical obligations to report suspected misconduct, they are not primarily responsible for conducting formal investigations.
- The OHRP has the authority to regulate IRB activities and make sure that institutions comply with the federal regulations on human subject research, and it also is empowered to serve as a liaison with various commissions and agencies to examine ethical issues in medicine and to promote the development of methods to improve the quality of programs for protection of participants in research 1.
From the Research
Primary Responsibility for Investigating Allegations of Research Misconduct
- The primary responsibility for investigating allegations of research misconduct belongs to research institutions, as they have the most direct involvement with the researchers and the research being conducted 2.
- The Office of Research Integrity (ORI) also plays a role in handling allegations of research misconduct, but its primary function is to oversee and coordinate the efforts of research institutions, rather than to conduct investigations itself 2.
- Researchers themselves may also be involved in the investigation process, but they are not typically responsible for conducting the investigation or making determinations about misconduct.
Relevant Options
- Option C (Research institution(s)) is the most accurate answer, as research institutions have the primary responsibility for investigating allegations of research misconduct.
- Option D (B and C) is also a possible answer, as researchers may be involved in the investigation process, but it is not the most accurate answer.
- Options A (Office of Research Integrity (ORI)), B (Researcher(s)), and E (A, B and C) are not the most accurate answers, as while they may play a role in the process, they are not the primary responsible parties.