Falsifcation: An Anomaly or a Common Occurrence?

Greetings. Falsifcation. 

Falsifcation is the effort to alter a part(s) of the research process, often to allow the investigative results to appear far more sensational and relevant than they are in reality. 

Along with fabrication and plagiarism, falsifcation is considered serious research misconduct, rightfully so. 

Falsifcation is defined by the European Code of Conduct as "manipulating research materials, equipment or processes or changing, ommitting or suppressing data or results without justification."

Falsifying data is a serious form of research misconduct. Falsified data includes omitting or adding data points, removing outliers in a dataset and manipulating images. Image manipulation is a special form of falsifcation, as it uses software to edit photos, usually of laboratory tests, to let the results appear more convincing. This specifically concerns blots, gels, micrographs and radiological images. Fabricating data is making up non-existing results, where falsifying data is to edit, add, remove or alter results and/or data sets. 

How often does such unprofessional behavior occur when it comes to fringe topics? 

Research into fringe topics often is void of peer review, void of anything substantive, void of anything that could be considered legitimate investigations and/or examinations, and does not adhere to the scientific method and its methodologies. Such efforts speak volumes, and keeps such exercises firmly in the realm of the amateurish and laughable. Adding to the problem, fringe topics are usually surrounded by layers of celebrity, nonsense, self-promotion, and are highly entertaining to the ignorant masses. Not exactly science. 

The lure of celebrity and notoriety is powerful motivation for unprofessional behavior. It would be illogical to hold the position that falsifcation does not occur. 

Working under such a set of unfortunate circumstances, should such fringe topics be taken seriously? Each topic has its own shortcomings, but in my humble opinion, each should be considered on an individual basis. 

Thank you for your time and consideration.