Data Integrity in Research: A Fundamental Prerequisite for Credible Research Output across Disciplines and Professions

Abstract

The use of data as a basic tool for carrying out a study has become absolutely essential in research and other academic engagements. The position of this paper is that, since data is indispensable in research, its integrity must also be indispensable to achieve research credibility. This paper views data integrity as a process and explains it as the measures taken to ensure accuracy and completeness of a data set in research. Data integrity in research is a fundamental requirement because; it ensures the use of correct parameters, hypotheses testing, data analyses, reporting and evaluation. Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Data Collection, Data Management and ALCOA are some ways to secure and ensure data integrity. Data integrity in research involves a great deal of time, efforts and cost but must be encouraged. This study opines that, academic scholars should inculcate the culture of transparency in research into the minds of young researchers through data integrity.