Final answer:
Researcher misconduct in research ethics is exemplified by ignoring data outliers and altering results. Ethical practices include IRB consultation, subject autonomy, and confidentiality measures. Following ethical guidelines ensures the integrity and reliability of research findings.
Step-by-step explanation:
When studying ethics in research, one example of researcher misconduct is ignoring data outliers and changing final results. This action breaches ethical standards because it involves data manipulation, leading to unreliable and invalid research findings. Researchers are expected to analyze data objectively and without bias. In contrast, consulting with the Institutional Review Board (IRB), informing subjects of their right to drop out of the study, and assigning pseudonyms to protect subject confidentiality are all considered ethical practices that align with the responsibilities of researchers.
To maintain the integrity of the research and protect the rights and well-being of subjects, it is fundamental to obtain participants' informed consent, ensure participant safety, and halt the study if any subject is potentially endangered. These actions are guided by ethical codes and federal regulations that all researchers must strictly follow. Additionally, all research activities involving human subjects typically require IRB approval, highlighting the importance of ethical oversight in the research process.