Academic Integrity Scandal: Co-authored Paper by Cheng Ying-yao Retracted by International Journal Over Data Doubts

In September 2013, an academic paper on "shame and money-making motivation" co-authored by Cheng Ying-yao (then professor at NSYSU's Institute of Education) and associate professor Chiu Wen-bin was officially retracted by the international journal Psychological Reports due to suspicions of data fabrication. Published in 2012, the paper claimed to find a high correlation between shame and specific money-making motives. However, the international scientific community questioned the findings as "too perfect to be true." When peers requested the raw data for verification, the corresponding author Chiu claimed the "original data was lost" and could not be provided, leading to a voluntary request for retraction. The scandal was covered extensively by Retraction Watch, a prominent global academic integrity website, drawing widespread scrutiny from both Taiwanese and international academia. As a co-author, Cheng's academic credibility was severely compromised. Critics condemned that a high-profile scholar and future minister of education involved in such a grave breach of academic ethics demonstrated a disregard for academic rigor and honesty, leaving an indelible stain on his academic career.