Institutionalization of Responsible Conduct of research and graduate students’ perceptions about research Integrity in Makerere University.

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between institutionalization of responsible conduct of research and graduate students’ perceptions about research integrity in Makerere University. The study used a cross sectional survey research design and predominantly employed a quantitative approach. Data were obtained from a sample of 132 graduate students who were selected using stratified, proportionate, simple random sampling technique. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation co-efficient was used to test the hypotheses. The findings from the study show that there is no significant relationship between institutional frameworks for responsible conduct of research and graduate students’ perceptions about research integrity (r= 0.93, (p = .291). The study found a positive significant relationship between responsible conduct of research education and Graduate students’ perceptions about research integrity (r= .222*, p = .010). The study concluded that institutional frameworks positively but insignificantly relate to graduate students’ perceptions about research integrity while responsible conduct of research education positively and significantly relates to graduate students’ perceptions about research integrity in Makerere University. The study recommends that the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training should establish mechanisms for detection, prevention and investigation of research misconduct. The study further recommends that responsible conduct of research education should be integrated into graduate education and training program as cross-cutting courses.