Nine Ways to Detect Possible Scientific Misconduct in Research with Small (N < 200) Samples

Abstract

Some scientists have fabricated their data, yet have published their fake results in peer-reviewed journals. How can we detect patterns typical of fabricated research? Nine relatively less complex ways for detecting potentially fabricated data in small samples (N < 200), are presented, using data from articles published since 1999 as illustrations. Even with smaller samples, there are several ways in which scholars, as well as their undergraduate and graduate students, can detect possible fabrication of data as well as other questionable research practices (QRPs). However, with larger samples, other techniques may be needed.