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Replications in Comparative Cognition: What Should We Expect and How Can We Improve?
Benjamin G Farrar1, Markus Boeckle1,2, Nicola S Clayton1
1Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Animal Behavior and Cognition
|July 7, 2020
Summary
Direct replication in comparative cognition is challenging due to overestimated effect sizes and practical limitations. Researchers need to improve statistical methods and infrastructure for reliable findings in animal cognition research.
Area of Science:
- Comparative cognition
- Animal behavior
- Scientific replication
Background:
- Direct replication studies assess the reliability and validity of original research findings.
- Published effect sizes in comparative cognition may be overestimated, impacting consistent replication.
- Replicability-validity and resource trade-offs influence study design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate expectations for direct replication in comparative cognition.
- To identify strategies for improving research reliability.
- To address challenges in performing direct replications and ensuring cumulative science.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of direct replication in comparative cognition.
- Discussion of statistical and design features for identifying reliable research.
- Examination of practical barriers to direct replication in animal studies.
Main Results:
- Direct replication findings may not be consistent, especially for studies with marginal p-values.
- True direct replication in comparative cognition faces challenges: species access, behavioral variation, and sample size constraints.
- Many claims in comparative cognition may be practically unfalsifiable due to replication difficulties.
Conclusions:
- Comparative cognition should formally assess replicability.
- Improvements in statistical thinking and research infrastructure are crucial.
- Addressing these challenges is vital for cumulative science and understanding cognitive evolution.
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