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HARKing, Cherry-Picking, P-Hacking, Fishing Expeditions, and Data Dredging and Mining as Questionable Research
1Department of Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neurotoxicology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India. candrade@psychiatrist.com.
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|May 17, 2021
Summary
This article defines questionable research practices (QRPs) like HARKing and p-hacking in statistical analysis. Understanding these methods is crucial for researchers and readers to identify scientific misconduct in published results.
Area of Science:
- Statistical analysis
- Research integrity
- Scientific communication
Background:
- Questionable research practices (QRPs) undermine scientific validity.
- Common QRPs include HARKing, cherry-picking, p-hacking, fishing, and data dredging.
- These practices involve manipulating data analysis or results presentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define and explain common QRPs in statistical analysis and reporting.
- To elucidate why these practices are considered misconduct.
- To promote widespread understanding of QRPs among researchers and readers.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual explanation of various QRPs.
- Definition of HARKing (Hypothesizing After the Results are Known).
- Description of cherry-picking, p-hacking, fishing, and data dredging/mining.
Main Results:
- HARKing involves presenting post hoc hypotheses as a priori.
- Cherry-picking conceals unfavorable evidence.
- P-hacking, fishing, and data dredging involve extensive, often biased, data analysis to find significant results.
Conclusions:
- Widespread knowledge of QRPs is essential for maintaining scientific integrity.
- Identifying QRPs helps prevent scientific misconduct.
- Promoting awareness ensures researchers and readers can critically evaluate study findings.
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