Research Integrity
Research Integrity and Good Research
This overview of themes, actions, resources and provision, developed by Research Services and then ‘localised’ for Social Sciences, is designed to help researchers not only to abide by the principles set out in the University’s Academic Integrity in Research: Code of Practice and Procedure but also to engage in a broader dialogue about research integrity and good practice in research.
Resources & Related Websites
Oxford’s free online research integrity course
Social Sciences Inter-Divisional Research Ethics Committee (SSH IDREC)
Suggested action
At the start of the research, familiarise yourself with information about University resources available.
Resources / web links
Research integrity leaflet (PDF) – an introduction to the responsible conduct of research
Training Courses
Research Integrity Online – an online introductory course. Choose the ‘Social and Behavioural Sciences’ version.
Students n.b.: you are usually expected to have completed this before applying for Transfer of Status.
Suggested action
Discuss the University’s code and what this means in practice for researchers.
Resources / web links
Research integrity and ethics – links to the University’s relevant policies, procedures and guidance
Suggested action
1) Identify and be familiar with any discipline-specific, funder-specific (e.g. RCUK) or professional codes of conduct relevant to your work.
2) If you are funded, be familiar with any funding terms and conditions.
3) Be familiar with any faculty, departmental or divisional policy documents relating to the conduct of your research.
Resources / web links
RCUK Policy and Guidelines on Governance of Good Research Conduct
Suggested action
1) Understand, in general, requirements for a person to be listed as an author of a publication.
2) Reflect on and discuss what the publication strategy will be for the research project, including criteria for authorship.
3) Ensure you are aware of the authorship practices within your own discipline and any guidelines set by the journals in which you hope to publish.
4) Discuss authorship throughout the project, especially prior to work being prepared or submitted for publication. Agree on authorship and attribution for each publication.
Resources / web links
Publication and authorship - University guidance
Open Access at Oxford – guidance for researchers
Plagiarism – what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid unintentional plagiarism
Training Courses
Bodleian Iskills courses:
1) Open Access Oxford: What’s happening? (monthly dates)
2) Open Access: Authors, copyright and open access – making it work for you
Suggested action
1) Discuss with your supervisor the concept of `conflict of interest’ in research.
2) Read the University’s policy and discuss how any potential conflicts associated with your research might be declared and managed.
Resources / web links
University guidance on conflict of interest
University Policy on Conflict of Interest
Suggested action
If your research involves human participants or personal data or materials, be familiar with the University’s procedures for ethical review.
Resources / web links
Policy on the Ethical Conduct of research involving human participants and personal data
Research ethics and human participants – an introduction leaflet
Process for seeking ethical review of such research
Training Courses
Suggested action
Research and discuss whether any permissions are required before the research project commences (including any relevant training which might be necessary), for example, permissions from communities, institutions or government agencies
n.b. This should include projects involving fieldwork overseas.
Suggested action
Plan and discuss how research data and records generated will be collected, stored, and managed.
Consider the following general areas:
- Where these will be stored and how they will be identified
- How to keep data and records secure and protected from damage/destruction
- Accessibility
- Confidentiality/privacy issues, including Data Protection Act requirements
- Archival/long-term value.
Other areas may specifically apply:
- If the research is externally-funded, are there terms and conditions relating to how data is collected and stored?
- Research involving human participants (incl. consent forms, questionnaires).
Resources / web links
University policy on management of data supporting research outputs
University policy on Data Protection
Training Courses
Bodleian iSkills
Working with sensitive research data in the Social Sciences and Humanities
Introduction to MANTRA (online training course) for Digital Research Data Management
External courses
Suggested action
1) Discuss what intellectual property (IP) may be generated in the course of the project.
2) How this can be protected/exploited.
Resources / web links
Oxford University Innovation - Information for Oxford Researchers
Suggested action
Ensure you have completed a local health and safety induction and is aware of:
- who the relevant health and safety representatives are
- Emergency procedures, particularly fire, first aid and incident reporting
- Supervisory arrangements, particularly for out of hours or lone working.
- Safeguarding Code of Practice
Discuss health and safety issues specific to the student’s research, eg. fieldwork, overseas travel etc. Ensure risk assessments covering the hazards they are likely to encounter are discussed or completed.
Resources / web links
Health and safety induction training policy, including Safety in Fieldwork
Safeguarding ‘at risk’ adults and children policy
Training Courses
Check with your department for any local safety courses
Emergency First Aid for Fieldworkers
Fieldwork Safety Overseas (most suitable for expedition-type fieldwork)
Social Sciences Fieldwork Safety Guidance
Suggested action
Discuss where advice may be sought and the procedures for dealing with queries, concerns or complaints about the research.
Suggested action
Discuss with student any further training needs related to the research and professional development more generally.
Resources / web links
Social Sciences Researcher Development
Social Sciences Research Support
Support for researchers – gateway to services available
Suggested action
Discuss how regularly to meet and set up meetings.
Suggested action
Discuss with whether working with a mentor would be useful
