What is meant by "falsification" in research practices?

Falsification in research practices refers to the act of manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes in a way that results in a distortion of research findings. This can include actions such as altering data, misrepresenting the research process, or changing the experimental conditions to achieve a desired outcome rather than allowing the results to emerge from the actual research conducted.

Understanding falsification is crucial for maintaining integrity in research, as it undermines the reliability of scientific work and damages the trust that society places in researchers. Adhering to ethical research practices means reporting findings honestly and accurately without altering them to fit preconceived hypotheses or desired outcomes.

Improving research methodologies and aiding in the replication of results are considered positive practices that contribute to scientific progress. Reporting preliminary findings without full analysis may not necessarily involve falsification but rather indicates a different issue related to the transparency and completeness of research.