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Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity (REII) Statement
Purpose
Chaminade University of Honolulu is committed to conducting research, scholarship, evaluation, and other sponsored activities with the highest standards of independence, integrity, transparency, and ethical responsibility. This Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity (REII) Statement affirms the University’s commitment to ensuring that research and evaluation activities are conducted objectively, free from inappropriate influence, and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies.
This statement complements, and does not replace, the University’s existing policies governing research integrity, human subjects protections, academic freedom, conflicts of interest, and responsible conduct of research.
1. Independence of Research and Evaluation
Researchers, evaluators, faculty, staff, and students are expected to conduct research and evaluation activities objectively and independently. Research questions, methodologies, analyses, interpretations, and dissemination of findings shall be guided by accepted scholarly and professional standards rather than institutional, financial, political, or personal interests.
Sponsors may establish project goals and reporting requirements; however, they shall not influence or suppress the objective design, conduct, analysis, interpretation, or reporting of research or evaluation findings except as permitted by law, regulation, or contractual agreement.
2. Integrity of Research
Chaminade University expects all individuals engaged in research or evaluation to maintain the highest standards of honesty, accuracy, accountability, and professionalism throughout every stage of a project.
Collect, manage, analyze, and report data accurately and honestly.
Maintain complete and appropriate research records.
Appropriately acknowledge the contributions of collaborators.
Comply with applicable federal, state, sponsor, and institutional requirements.
Promptly disclose and address errors when identified.
Fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, misrepresentation of findings, or other forms of research misconduct are prohibited.
3. Objectivity in Reporting Findings
Research and evaluation findings shall be communicated completely, accurately, and objectively regardless of whether results support the original hypotheses, institutional priorities, sponsor expectations, or anticipated outcomes. Chaminade University supports dissemination of scientifically and professionally valid findings, including null, negative, or unexpected results, subject to contractual, confidentiality, intellectual property, and regulatory requirements.
4. Protection from Undue Influence
Researchers and evaluators shall be able to exercise independent professional judgment without coercion or retaliation. University administrators, sponsors, collaborators, and other stakeholders shall not require investigators to alter, suppress, selectively report, or misrepresent research or evaluation findings.
5. Conflicts of Interest
Individuals involved in research and evaluation activities are expected to disclose real, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest in accordance with University policy and sponsor requirements. Appropriate management plans shall be implemented when necessary.
6. Ethical Research Conduct
Research involving human participants shall be conducted in accordance with the Belmont Report, 45 CFR 46, determinations of the Chaminade University Institutional Review Board (IRB), and all applicable institutional policies governing human subjects research.
7. Transparency and Accountability
Researchers are responsible for maintaining documentation sufficient to demonstrate the integrity of their research and evaluation activities. Research records shall be maintained in accordance with sponsor requirements, federal regulations, and University policy.
Applicability
This statement applies to all externally sponsored research, sponsored program evaluation, institutional research conducted for external sponsors, and internally funded research, regardless of whether the activity requires IRB review.
Institutional Commitment
Consistent with Chaminade University’s Catholic and Marianist educational mission, the University affirms that the pursuit of knowledge requires honesty, intellectual freedom, respect for persons, and personal integrity. No investigator shall be required to alter valid research findings or evaluation results for institutional, political, financial, or personal reasons.
Related University Policies and References
- Chaminade University Faculty Handbook, Section 4.12.4 – Policy on Misconduct in Research and Scholarship.
- Chaminade University Institutional Review Board (IRB) Charter.
- Chaminade University Mission & Commitments.