Research integrity attitudes and practices: an exploratory study of Italian researchers

This paper explored the state of Research Integrity (RI) perceived by active researchers in Italy. The study used data from an international survey of active researchers in various fields, such as the medical, natural, and social sciences and humanities, specifically focusing on researchers in Italy. It explored differences based on the scientific field, gender, career stage, employment contract, and industry sector. Despite the considerable attention given to research integrity, the study of its determinants remains in its nascent stages, notably due to the need for robust theoretical frameworks. This study modelled potential determinants of questionable research practices (QRPs) based on three hypotheses: one based on structural conditions, one on a researcher’s motivations, and the third on the perspective-taking of the researcher when acting as a supervisor. The findings revealed mixed views of RI among researchers. Most participants recognised RI’s importance in improving research quality but saw RI activities as mere «box-ticking» exercises. The study also revealed a lack of awareness about RI policies at the institutional level, indicating potential improvements needed in policy communication. Bayesian regression was used for this comparison, and the perspective-taking model emerged as the best predictor of QRP tendencies. Findings are discussed in light of their potential for recommendations.