Falsification of data
Data collected from observations, experiments, surveys, questionnaires, interviews, and polls are often used in reports. It is academically dishonest to report anything other than the results obtained using the stated method of data collection.
In particular, you must not:
- Change or manipulate the method of data collection before the end of the data collection period, unless a full account is provided in the final report
- Change or omit data that has been collected
- Add data collected outside the data collection period
- Add fictitious data
- Or otherwise misrepresent the true results of the data collected
Attempts to make data fit a particular theory or preferred outcome contravene the basic principles of academic integrity. University policies provide severe penalties for staff and students who fake results.
