We've talked about critical thinking and the scientific method. There are two parts of the scientific method that are not so well known, Replication and Peer Review. Here we'll address Replication.
Actually it's a simple concept. Replication means that if you do an experiment, any other scientist who comes along later can follow your methods and reach the same conclusion.
Yep, that's it.
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Well, that's almost it, except for the "replication crisis."
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.The replication crisis (also called the replicability crisis and the reproducibility crisis) is an ongoing methodological crisis in which it has been found that many scientific studies are difficult or impossible to replicate or reproduce. The replication crisis most severely affects the social sciences and medicine. The phrase was coined in the early 2010s as part of a growing awareness of the problem. The replication crisis represents an important body of research in the field of metascience.
. Wikipedia - Replication crisis .
It's not a Wiki exaggeration.
Psychology Today has a good piece detailing the situation, its history, and what is problematic about the Replication Crisis, though the article is undated.
Replication Crisis
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basi ... ion-crisis
Two of the most prestigious scientific institutions, have addressed the issue.
Nature (as in "The Journal Nature" which is quoted often in media reports) published the following opinion piece in May 2016:
1,500 scientists lift the lid on reproducibility
https://www.nature.com/articles/533452a
The American Psychological Association (APA, as in APA formatted papers in college) published the following opinion piece in March 2020:
Leaning into the replication crisis: Why you should consider conducting replication research
https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2 ... ion-crisis
This is not to say that all science is wrong. To the contrary most science is correct and we know it because we use it. Medicine works. Engineering works. Agriculture works. The answer doesn't lie in giving up. Answers are found by continuing to investigate.
If anyone familiar with this has some insight or further sources, please add your reply below! This topic could really use some scientific commentary.
The end.
NOTE: The material in the "APP's Answers" posts sometimes seem elementary and simplistic yet at the same time long and drawn-out. Yes. It's the beginning foundation for the topic. If you already know about these things, by all means add your suggestions to the appropriate forums. Or just scroll on. There can be a steep learning curve for those not already familiar with these things. Our answers are a starting point.
If you're already fairly knowledgeable, still scan each section and SKIP down to the RESOURCES listed. Readers don't have to take our opinion. Each part has good external sources/links, so you can get more in-depth and intricate answers from real experts.
QUICK LINKS - Good Science
MAIN / Good Science
MAIN / OUR ANSWER 1. Short Answer
MAIN / OUR ANSWER 2. Critical Thinking
MAIN / OUR ANSWER 3. CT - Next Level
MAIN / OUR ANSWER 4. Vetting Sources
MAIN / OUR ANSWER 5. "Do Your Own Research"
MAIN / OUR ANSWER 6. The Scientific Method
MAIN / OUR ANSWER 7. Replication - Or it Didn't Happen
MAIN / OUR ANSWER 8. Peer Review Can Be Brutal
MAIN / OUR ANSWER 9. Methodology is Key
MAIN / What's Your Opinion?
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