Background: The increase in research misconduct among Iranian researchers has become challenging in recent years. The purpose of this study was to investigate the researcher’s experiences about the reasons of research misconduct and their proposed strategies to prevent them.
Method: This was a relational content analysis study using purposeful sampling. In this study, 10 non-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with PhD students. Data were analyzed using open code software.
Result: We extracted three main categories from the data including research misconduct situations, reasons and strategies to control them. The quantity based evaluation system, not being aware of the rules, and lack of clear rules for the journals were important reasons for the research misconduct. Establishing quality based evaluation systems, improving morals and rule awareness, establishing a system to identify violations and setting clear rules for the journals were the proposed strategies to control research misconduct.
Conclusion: Research misconduct in Iran has become a major concern of researchers and necessary actions should be taken.