Research misconduct includes but is not limited to falsification, fabrication, plagiarism, misappropriation, or other practices that seriously deviate from those that are commonly accepted within the academic community for proposing, conducting, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results. Research misconduct does not include honest error or honest differences in interpretations or judgments of data. A finding of research misconduct requires all of the following:

• A significant departure from accepted practices of the research community
• Misconduct committed intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly
• An allegation proven by a preponderance of the evidence

“Intentionally” means intending the result of one’s actions to result in a prohibited act. “Knowingly” means being aware that one’s actions are nearly certain to result in the prohibited act. “Recklessly” means a conscious disregard of a substantial and unjustifiable risk that one’s action will result in the prohibited act.

Capella University expects that research will be conducted with integrity, and that individuals engaged in research make themselves aware of what constitutes ethical and responsible conduct in research. Capella University researchers, including employees, learners, and others engaged in academic research as part of their employment or educational responsibilities, are expected to refrain from research misconduct.

Review Capella University Policy 03.03.06 Research Misconduct for more information on research misconduct.