Replication Of Studies A Key Component Of Research

"One very dominant pattern that I see on a frequent basis is the tendency to cite preliminary evidence as if it is rock-solid and confirmed. People will worry about the health effects of GMOs or vaccines because of a few flawed studies. They will promote the health benefits of a supplement based upon a preclinical study that is many steps removed from actual clinical claims. They will accept a new phenomenon as real based on studies that have never been replicated."

Reproducibility is Critical

How Many Replication Studies Are Enough?

"The problem of irreproducibility in science has gained widespread attention, but one aspect that is discussed less often is how to find the right balance between replicating findings and moving a field forward from well-established ones."

Researchers on social media ask at what point do replication efforts go from useful to wasteful.

The Replication Side Of The Equation Needs More Emphasis

"In order for scientific progress to be optimal we need to have the perfect mix of researchers doing new and speculative research vs doing confirmatory research or applied research. This is like having the right mix of gas and oxygen to produce the hottest flame."

Science may have a replication problem.