A qualitative investigation of "honest" retractions by researchers in the Netherlands and other countries

Authors who retract their own papers following the discovery of an honest mistake show a highly proactive attitude with regards to their professional and moral responsibilities. In this qualitative study, we explored the circumstances, motivations and beliefs of scientists who retracted one of their own publications between 2010 and 2015. Scientists were selected primarily amongst Dutch researchers. Through semistructured interviews, we sought to understand the experience of discovering an error and retracting one’s own publication. For all the participants, the process of retracting a publication had been one of the most stressful and pressing moments of their professional career. Nonetheless, in many cases having retracted a paper turned out to be a cause of praise for these scientists by their colleagues. We conclude that scientists’ motivations to retract included a combination of prudential and moral considerations. However, the very act of communicating their mistake to the journals constitutes a realization of ethical and professional responsibilities, which should be praised and promoted.