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# 3.2 Falsification

Whereas some instances of academic misconduct could potentially occur without intent, falsification is a type of academic misconduct where someone uses information that they know to be wrong (or believe to be wrong), but present it as being true . In other words, there is a deliberate attempt to deceive. In the case of GenAI, it is not a valid defence that you did not check the information produced by GenAI ; not checking its output and then submitting it in an assignment can be regarded as falsification where there is inaccuracy or fabrication of data or information as a result of your not having scrutinised it.

However, it is important to remember that falsification is not limited to GenAI use. An individual might be tempted to undertake other actions which fall under this heading. Consider the following:

- Which of the following acts are considered examples of falsification?

  - referencing a work which does not exist
  - attributing ideas to an individual, piece of work, or other source which does not contain those ideas
  - citing material you have not read
  - manipulating images (e.g. photographs, electron microscopy images)
  - adding or removing data points
  - claiming to have conducted experiments/carried out research which you have not carried out
  - inventing research, evidence, experimental results or other false content

- All of the above are considered as falsification:

  - The first three options (referencing a work which does not exist; attributing ideas to an individual, piece of work, or other source which does not contain those ideas; citing material you have not read) all relate to the falsification of citations
  - Manipulating images and adding or removing data points are examples of falsifying data
  - Claiming to have conducted experiments or carried out research which you have not carried out is a clear example of falsification
  - Inventing research, evidence, experimental results or other false content is falsification (and is sometimes also known as fabrication)

The purpose of academic research is to contribute to and extend the current body of knowledge on a subject, and as such integrity in research is vital. Falsification (and fabrication) removes trust in academia, which has significant negative impacts, not only on the individual, but on the academic community and on society as a whole.

As a thought experiment, imagine a loved one requiring a new drug treatment; you would want to know that the data from safety trials was reliable . Falsified clinical research might be ineffective at best, and could be harmful or even deadly . As you might therefore expect, penalties for falsification in academia can be severe.

By practicing honesty and integrity throughout your learning journey, you will develop important academic and social skills which will benefit your professional and personal life.

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OpenLearn - All my own work: exploring academic integrity
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