Data Fabrication and Falsification

Data fabrication and falsification are serious forms of research misconduct involving intentional misrepresentation of research data. Fabrication means inventing data that were never actually collected; falsification means altering authentic data to change the meaning. Both undermine scientific integrity, waste research resources, and can harm research subjects and the public. Federal policy (42 CFR Part 93) formally defines these violations; detection is improving through statistical analysis tools and data transparency practices; prevention requires robust data governance and culture of accountability.