What constitutes research misconduct according to U.S. Federal Research Misconduct Policy?

Plagiarism is considered research misconduct under U.S. Federal Research Misconduct Policy because it involves the appropriation of another person's ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit. This lack of acknowledgment undermines the integrity of the research process and the trustworthiness of published findings. Research misconduct is defined specifically as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism, all of which compromise the honesty and reliability of scholarly work. By violating these principles, a researcher not only discredits their own work but can also impact the larger scientific community, as research builds on previously established knowledge.

The other choices do not constitute misconduct in the same way. Collaborating with fellow researchers, for example, is typically encouraged as it fosters innovation and advancement in research fields. Using data from public sources is a common practice, provided that the data is appropriately cited and ethically sourced. Ignoring ethical guidelines, while concerning and potentially harmful, may not always directly classify as misconduct without clear evidence of intent to deceive or harm, distinguishing it from the specific acts of plagiarism, fabrication, or falsification outlined in the policy.