Research Malpractices Among M.Phil. Scholars in Quetta: A multiple Case Study
Keywords:
Ethical; Academic Integrity; Malpractice; Research; M.Phil. ScholarsAbstract
Academic research is considered as the cornerstone of postgraduate studies and uncountable research studies are done per year at M.Phil. level in Pakistan every year. However, how ethically and honestly these studies are conducted are worth exploring. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to identify the research malpractices from three public universities of Quetta City. The data were collected through interview and observation methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted through purposive sampling from 40 participants (Supervisors and scholars) from all three public universities. The participant observation method was also employed. The transcribed interviews and field notes were analyzed through a thematic analysis approach. The data analysis revealed that variety of malpractices were being practiced by M.Phil. scholars such as getting purchased/prepared thesis or research papers, plagiarism, fake data, unethical friends and family support. On the other hand, laziness, lack of interest in research, lack of knowledge related to research and software, weak supervisory practices were the main reasons behind these malpractices. The recommendations provided a pathway for both researchers and supervisors to observe the malpractices and combated them.
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