Behavioral science fraud is on the rise, with 10,000 research papers retracted last year. The podcast discusses the motivations behind cheating, the impact of false findings on public policy and public health, and the challenges researchers face. It also delves into specific cases, such as a controversial research paper and fraud in an insurance paper. The speakers share their personal experiences and highlight the detrimental effects of fraud on the credibility of social science research.

Max Bazerman, a behavioral science expert from Harvard, Leif Nelson from UC Berkeley known for tackling research misconduct, and Brian Nosek, a champion of research integrity at the University of Virginia, explore the alarming rise of academic fraud. They discuss the pressures that lead researchers to manipulate data and the far-reaching consequences of retracted papers. The conversation delves into high-profile cases and their implications on public trust, while emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and ethical standards in academia.

Professors Max Bazerman and Leif Nelson discuss academic fraud and misconduct, highlighting the prevalence of misconduct in research. They explore the pressures researchers face in publishing, unconventional practices, and the challenges of peer review. They also emphasize the need for transparency in research and a new approach to the incentive system in academia.