If you discover a colleague is falsifying data, what is the appropriate step?

• A. Confront the colleague directly in front of others.
• B. Report to a supervisor or appropriate authority, following policy; preserve evidence.
• C. Ignore it hoping it will be resolved.
• D. Remove or alter the data yourself.

Answer: (B)

Detecting data falsification requires acting through proper channels and following policy, rather than taking matters into your own hands. Reporting to a supervisor or appropriate authority and preserving evidence ensures the issue is investigated fairly and professionally, with a documented trail and appropriate protections for you as the reporter. This path allows an official inquiry to determine what happened and what corrective action is needed, without compromising confidentiality or the integrity of the data.

Confronting the colleague directly in front of others can derail an objective investigation, create a hostile environment, and risk biased conclusions. Ignoring the problem lets unethical behavior continue and violates professional standards. Removing or altering the data yourself is itself fraudulent and can lead to serious disciplinary and legal consequences.