Inappropriate application of ICT in research is an example of:

CONCEPT: ICT in research is judged by how appropriately a researcher selects, operates, and applies digital tools for research tasks.

When a tool is available but used in an unsuitable way, the issue generally points to the user’s capability with that tool. Research ethics is a separate category for misconduct such as plagiarism, fabrication, privacy breaches, or lack of consent.

APPLICATION: The stem says “inappropriate application of ICT”, so the best match among the offered values is absence of technical expertise of ICT resources.

CONTRAST:

• Technical lapse describes a temporary operational error or malfunction, not the broader reason for inappropriate application.

• Inadequate provision of ICT resources describes scarcity or non-availability of tools; the stem is about use, not supply.

• Violation of research ethics describes misconduct such as plagiarism, fabrication, privacy breach, or consent failure; unsuitable ICT application can occur without those misconduct elements.

Result: The answer is absence of technical expertise of ICT resources.