Segregate Assessment of Data Validity from the More Complex Issue of Fraud

TL;DR

This paper suggests separating data validity checks from fraud investigations to improve trust in scientific research.

Contribution

The paper proposes a framework for stakeholders to enhance scientific trust by segregating validity assessments from fraud investigations.

Findings

Segregating validity assessments from fraud investigations can streamline the evaluation process.

Stakeholders like institutions and journals can improve trust by focusing on data validity first.

Addressing validity separately allows for more efficient and objective scientific evaluation.

Abstract

Trust in the validity of published work is of fundamental importance to scientists. Confirmation of validity is more readily attained than addressing the question of whether fraud was involved. Suggestions are made for key stakeholders - institutions and companies, journals, and funders as to how they might enhance trust in science, both by accelerating the assessment of data validity and by segregating that effort from investigation of allegations of fraud.