Developing a Research Integrity Culture: Implementing Peer Trainers and Active Learning Strategies Using Virtual RCR Training Programs - There is a national need for a more comprehensive, engaging approach of training in the ethical conduct of research that addresses individual users' level of prior knowledge and experience. This institution strives to build a culture of high ethical standards yet recognizes that assistance through external sponsor funding is required to scale up innovations to build such a culture by educating, assessing and promoting responsible conduct of research (RCR) initiatives through expanded training programs. This proposal seeks to employ a multimodal approach using online active learning strategies to educate students, research staff and early to intermediate researchers, to assess their increased knowledge acquired as a result of the training program, and empower them to apply this new knowledge in their career. Three multimodal approaches are included in this proposal. The first is to enhance existing and create new RCR content for a campus-wide seminar series tailored for specific targeted audiences. This series, currently in its pilot phase, is offered via Zoom and employs active learning strategies, including open discussions, participant polling and breakout rooms. The second approach is the creation of a podcast series “Research Unplugged” to foster discussion on research integrity, misconduct and compliance. The third approach is the development of an info/educational video vignette on research compliance. Currently, the online synchronous seminars are designed to reach an audience of entry and intermediate levels, graduate students and research staff. A separate asynchronous active learning RCR module series will be fully developed at a level appropriate for undergraduate researchers. The goals of this project are to 1) improve the infrastructure for supporting a culture of research integrity at the institutional level by offering educational seminars and other innovative outreach programs to a diverse audience, including two learner cla
ssifications as defined by prior knowledge of the topic (general and intermediate), early career researchers, those actively engaged in research, and staff who support research projects, and 2) create an institutional environment, both top down and bottoms up, that fosters research integrity through innovative virtual learning activities. Synergistic partnerships across the institution and with professional organizations will ensure the sustainability of this program. Specific participant Learning Objectives are Level 2 learning (Kirpatrick Model) as described in the proposal and that will measure the degree to which participants acquire the intended knowledge, skills, attitudes, confidence, and commitment based on their participation in the training to foster research integrity at the institutional level. This Outcome will be accomplished by an end-of-course assessment on knowledge gained, self-efficacy in applying new knowledge, and attitude toward practicing RCR resulting from their participation in the training.
With the investment in professional advancement of these participants, this RCR initiative will contribute significantly to ensure the success of developing a culture of research integrity. The completion of 17 hours of these seminars will lead to a certificate program that satisfies the requirements of USDA and NSF RCR training. The outputs and outcomes of the evaluation process will be used to inform the continuous improvement of this training program, maximizing the transfer of learning to behavior of responsible and ethical conduct of research to enhance organizational research capacity, to demonstrate the effects of training on the research operations and culture at this institution, and to create a blueprint for RCR training at other higher education institutions.
