SPECIAL TOPIC: Preface to Multi-Dimensional Exploration and Practical Innovation in Research Integrity Governance

Study on the Formation Process and Influencing Factors of Data Ethical Misconduct by Researchers

  • Sun Lili ,
  • Zhang Tan ,
  • Jin Yongshi
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  • 1 Institute of Information Management and Technology, Nanjing University of Technology, Nanjing 210009;
    2 School of Economics and Management, Nanjing University of Technology, Nanjing 211816
Sun Lili, Associate Professor, PhD, Master’s Supervisor, E-mail: llsun@njtech.edu.cn; Zhang Tan, Master’s Candidate; Jin Yongshi, Master’s Candidate.

Received date: 2024-12-05

  Revised date: 2025-02-16

  Online published: 2025-11-19

Supported by

This work is supported by the 2025 Major Project of Philosophy and Social Science Research in Colleges and Universities in Jiangsu Province titled “Research on the Formation Mechanism and Governance Strategy of Scientific Data Ethical Issues in the Context of AI4S (Grant No. 2025SJZD066), and the 2025 Jiangsu Provincial Social Science Fund Project “Research on Weak Signal Identification, Formation Mechanism, and Governance Strategies of Ethical Issues in Scientific Data under the Background of AI” (Grant No. 25XZD002).

Abstract

[Purpose/Significance] This paper analyzes the formation process and influencing factors of data ethical misconduct of researchers in the process of data processing and analysis, aiming at revealing its formation patterns, and providing theoretical support for the improvement of research ethical guidelines and optimization of scientific research management. [Method/Process] Based on the grounded theory this paper analyzed the mixed data from 25 semi-structured interview texts and related online topic texts, and constructed a model of the formation process and influencing factors of data ethical misconduct of researchers. [Result/Conclusion] Data ethics cognition forms the foundation for researchers’ ethical judgment and adherence to normative standards. Researchers’ ethical decision-making entails a dynamic interplay between deontological and teleological considerations. Under conditions of clear norms and robust oversight, deontological imperatives lead to “norm internalization,” whereas in intensely competitive resource environments, teleologically driven ethical misconduct may occur. The resonance between the structural contradictions of contextual factors and immediate situational pressures facilitates the transformation of macro-level institutional deficiencies into micro-level ethical deviations. Self-regulation and external controls serve as dual defensive mechanisms, although their effectiveness is contingent upon contextual support.

Cite this article

Sun Lili , Zhang Tan , Jin Yongshi . Study on the Formation Process and Influencing Factors of Data Ethical Misconduct by Researchers[J]. Library and Information Service, 2025 , 69(22) : 33 -43 . DOI: 10.13266/j.issn.0252-3116.2025.22.003

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