What does the term "whistleblowing" mean in a research context?

In the context of research, "whistleblowing" refers to the act of reporting unethical or illegal activities within the research environment. This could involve exposing misconduct such as data fabrication, plagiarism, harassment, or any actions that violate ethical standards and regulations. Whistleblowing is crucial for maintaining integrity, accountability, and transparency in research practices. It allows individuals to address wrongdoing without fear of retaliation, fostering a culture of ethical research.

The other options do not align with the definition of whistleblowing. Creating false reports for personal gain undermines the integrity of research rather than promoting ethical standards. Reducing the scope of research projects may be a decision related to project management but does not pertain to reporting unethical behavior. Disregarding confidentiality in research is an ethical violation rather than an act of whistleblowing.