When the results refuse to match the prediction
A student expects fertiliser to make plants grow faster, but the measured growth is similar across groups. Changing the numbers would make the report look more successful while destroying its scientific value. Research integrity means preserving honest observations and interpreting them responsibly.
Record observations before conclusions
Students should distinguish what they measured from what they hoped to find. Notes, units, dates and relevant conditions help preserve this separation.
Use sources responsibly
Credit evidence and ideas from other authors. A reference should support the actual claim, not simply make the bibliography look impressive.
Avoid selective reporting
Ignoring inconvenient observations can distort the conclusion. Explain anomalies and justify any exclusions rather than quietly removing them.
Respect participants and privacy
Surveys or projects involving people should follow applicable school guidance, consent and appropriate data minimisation.
Keep methods reproducible
Describe relevant materials, controls and procedures clearly enough for another learner to understand how the evidence was produced.
Teach correction as a strength
A revised conclusion after discovering a mistake demonstrates responsible learning. It should not be treated as an embarrassment.
Break-test: a group member invents missing readings
Can the team identify the unsupported values, correct the record and explain the limitation without inventing replacement evidence?
Connected knowledge
See Scientific Citation Practices, Scientific Reproducibility and MOE Syllabuses.