If someone intentionally removes data points from the data set to generate a deceptive conclusion, what type of research misconduct is this?

The act of intentionally removing data points from a dataset to create a misleading conclusion falls under the category of falsification. Falsification involves manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing or omitting data to misrepresent the results of a study. By selectively removing data points, the researcher distorts the true findings, leading to conclusions that do not accurately reflect the complete data. This practice undermines the integrity of the research, as it provides a false representation of the results.

Fabrication, on the other hand, refers to making up data or results and recording or reporting them as if they were obtained through legitimate means. Unauthorized access involves accessing research data without permission, while plagiarism is the act of presenting someone else's work, ideas, or intellectual property as one's own. Each of these options represents a different form of misconduct, but in this situation, the correct identification of the action taken is clearly aligned with the definition of falsification.