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Scientific progress despite irreproducibility: A seeming paradox
Richard M Shiffrin1, Katy Börner2, Stephen M Stigler3
1Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405; shiffrin@indiana.edu.
Summary
Science rapidly advances yet faces reproducibility issues. This paradox is inherent to scientific progress and requires selective improvements, not stifling innovation, to ensure continued societal benefits.
Area of Science:
- Metascience
- Philosophy of Science
- Scientific Practice
Background:
- Science generates novel theories and results rapidly.
- Simultaneously, significant issues in scientific practice lead to irreproducible and invalid reports.
- This creates a perceived paradox in scientific advancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the paradox of rapid scientific progress alongside reproducibility challenges.
- To argue that this paradox is an intrinsic and historical aspect of science.
- To propose strategies for improving scientific practice without hindering progress.
Main Methods:
- Review of challenges impacting scientific success.
- Analysis of historical and current factors enabling scientific work.
- Discussion of selective remedies for scientific practice.
Main Results:
- The paradox is not new but a persistent feature of science.
- Numerous challenges can impede scientific success.
- Factors enabling science have evolved but remain crucial.
- Selective application of remedies is necessary to avoid slowing progress.
Conclusions:
- The apparent paradox is an inherent characteristic of the scientific process.
- Improvements in scientific practice should be selective to maintain progress.
- Communicating science must highlight both challenges and immense societal benefits.
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