An Exploration on Ethical Challenge of Scientific Misconduct in Publication of Medical Papers: Examples, Causes of plagiarism, and Practical Strategies to prevent it

Abstract

Introduction: One of the most important ethical challenges in research and academic writing is the scientific misconduct which is defined as violation of scientific regulations. The aim of this study was to review scientific misconduct as an unethical phenomenon. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted by using narrative review strategy in which a total of 56 papers was selected via search in databases such as PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, Elsevier, and Iranian National Medical Digital Library (INMDL) according to the objective of the study. Results: First, we overlooked on scientific misconduct, meaning of plagiarism, the causes of plagiarism, its category, and penalties for plagiarism. The results showed that there is main three type of scientific misconduct including falsification, fabrication, and plagiarism which the latter is the most comment. We found fourteen type of plagiarism according to the literature review. Then, some online and offline software for detection of plagiarism cases were proposed. Finally, some practical strategies presented for prevention of plagiarism. Conclusion: We conclude that using another’s idea without appropriate acknowledging is considered as plagiarism which could have negative consequences and punishment for the perpetrator. Familiarization of researchers with cases of plagiarism and their commitment on ethical regulations and correctly acknowledgment of references and using software could be helpful in preventing this problem.