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Personality Traits Are Associated with Research Misbehavior in Dutch Scientists: A Cross-Sectional Study

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  • Joeri K Tijdink
  • Lex M Bouter
  • Coosje L S Veldkamp
  • Peter M van de Ven
  • Jelte M Wicherts
  • Yvo M Smulders

Abstract

Background: Personality influences decision making and ethical considerations. Its influence on the occurrence of research misbehavior has never been studied. This study aims to determine the association between personality traits and self-reported questionable research practices and research misconduct. We hypothesized that narcissistic, Machiavellianistic and psychopathic traits as well as self-esteem are associated with research misbehavior. Methods: Included in this cross-sectional study design were 535 Dutch biomedical scientists (response rate 65%) from all hierarchical layers of 4 university medical centers in the Netherlands. We used validated personality questionnaires such as the Dark Triad (narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism), Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale, the Publication Pressure Questionnaire (PPQ), and also demographic and job-specific characteristics to investigate the association of personality traits with a composite research misbehavior severity score. Findings: Machiavellianism was positively associated (beta 1.28, CI 1.06–1.53) with self-reported research misbehavior, while narcissism, psychopathy and self-esteem were not. Exploratory analysis revealed that narcissism and research misconduct were more severe among persons in higher academic ranks (i.e., professors) (p

Suggested Citation

  • Joeri K Tijdink & Lex M Bouter & Coosje L S Veldkamp & Peter M van de Ven & Jelte M Wicherts & Yvo M Smulders, 2016. "Personality Traits Are Associated with Research Misbehavior in Dutch Scientists: A Cross-Sectional Study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(9), pages 1-12, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0163251
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163251
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