What should a researcher do if a data collection error is discovered just before submitting a manuscript?
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Dr. Porter, the principal investigator, has just completed the final draft of a report one and half weeks before the submission deadline. Dr. Porter's graduate assistant has proofread and reviewed the document before submitting to the sponsoring agency. The assistant returns the document with several positive comments. However, they voice a slight concern about curious inconsistencies in the data results. Following close scrutiny, Dr. Porter recalls this inconsistency was something caught early on in data collection. However, for unknown reasons, there was a failure to follow-up. Although, the newly discovered finding does not directly impact the main findings and interpretation, it may compromise the credibility of the study. Taking the role of the researcher, decide to act on one of the following options:
|  | Ignore the findings, and submit the report as written.
|  | Ignore the findings, and submit the report but add an addendum.
|  | Delay submitting the manuscript.