Which of the following is considered misconduct in research?

In the context of research, misconduct typically refers to deliberate actions that compromise the integrity of the research process and its outcomes. Among the given options, errors in experimental design or analysis represent a form of misconduct if they arise from negligence or a lack of rigor when designing the study or interpreting its results. Unlike accidental errors, which may occur despite a researcher’s best efforts and are generally considered part of the learning and improvement process in scientific inquiry, errors that stem from poor planning or oversight in the research methodology can lead to invalid conclusions and mislead the scientific community.

The other options highlight various aspects of research but do not inherently represent misconduct. Accidental errors in data analysis are generally seen as mistakes rather than intentional wrongdoing. Proper citation of all sources reflects ethical scholarly conduct and is essential for credibility. Results replication across multiple studies is a cornerstone of scientific validation and integrity, further reinforcing the reliability of findings rather than indicating misconduct.