Examining the factors effecting unethical research behavior among graduate students at Agriculture and Natural Resources campus in Razi University

One of the most important challenges in academic research is an unethical research behavior issue. Today's unethical academic behavior of graduate students is a serious crisis in Iran's higher education system. The purpose of current study was to examine the factors effecting unethical research behavior among graduate students in Agriculture and Natural Resources campus at Razi University. This research was applied in terms of purpose, which was done by descriptive-correlation method. The statistical population of the study consisted of all graduate students in Agriculture and Natural Resources campus at Razi University (N= 284). Using Krejcie and Morgan table (1970), 163 of them were selected for the study by stratified random sampling. SPSS software version 25 and Smart PLS version 3 were used to analyze the data in two sections of descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings showed that the respondents are almost average in terms of the level of research unethical behavior. The findings of Structural Equation Modeling showed that the variables of mental norms and perceived behavioral control had a positive and significant effect on intention and the intention had a positive and significant effect on research unethical behavior. However, the direct effect of attitude on intention and perceived behavioral control behavior was not confirmed.