Discovering the Perception and Approach of Researchers and Professors of the University of Medical Sciences in Biased and Unbiased Publication of Scientific Outputs: A Qualitative Study.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the researchers' approach to the publication of and misconceptions in regard with scientific outputs and affecting factors. The present study was carried out using exploratory qualitative research method and semi-structured interviews in 2017. The research community comprised of faculty members, editors of journals, jury of papers and dissertations, researchers, and graduate students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. The sample size of the research was firstly selected through targeted sampling and then with snowball method. The MAXQDA v10 software was used to analyze the findings. Regarding the researchers' approach, a total number of 5 themes were identified. The lengthy process of arbitrating journals and the requirement for a university to publish a specific scientific output leads to inappropriate approaches to the dissemination of scientific outputs. It seems that revising quantitative views on the work of researchers and the development of ethics of science, with emphasis on compliance with the criteria of writing, quality and education of research misconduct in the form of appropriate training and supervision courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]