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Probing the Limits of Egg Recognition Using Egg Rejection Experiments Along Phenotypic Gradients

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Why are we not evaluating multiple competing hypotheses in ecology and evolution?

Gustavo S Betini¹, Tal Avgar², John M Fryxell¹

¹Department of Integrative Biology , University of Guelph , Guelph, Ontario , Canada N1G 2W1.

Royal Society Open Science

|March 11, 2017

Summary

Scientists rarely use multiple working hypotheses, hindering strong inference in research. Cognitive biases and practical barriers impede the adoption of this crucial scientific method, despite its known benefits.

Keywords:

Chamberlin Platt model selection scientific method strong inference

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Area of Science:

Ecology
Evolutionary Biology
Scientific Methodology

Background:

The principle of using multiple working hypotheses (MWH) is advocated to strengthen scientific inference.
However, its practical application in scientific investigations appears limited.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the extent to which multiple working hypotheses are employed in ecological and evolutionary research.
To identify the barriers hindering the adoption of MWH in scientific practice.

Main Methods:

A random selection of 100 studies from ecological and evolutionary literature was analyzed.
The number of hypotheses tested per study was quantified.

Main Results:

Only 21% of the selected studies tested more than one hypothesis.
A mere 8% tested more than two hypotheses, indicating a low adoption rate of MWH.

Conclusions:

A significant gap exists between the theoretical promotion of MWH and its actual implementation.
Intellectual and practical barriers, including unawareness of cognitive biases, limit the use of MWH, impacting the rigor of scientific investigations.