Understanding and tackling the reproducibility crisis - Why we need to study scientists' trust in data

Area of Science:

• Life Sciences
• Scientific Reproducibility
• Meta-Research

Background:

• A perceived 'reproducibility crisis' is debated in the life sciences.
• The extent to which this crisis stems from addressable issues versus unrealistic expectations is unclear.
• Large-scale experimental replication studies are prohibitively costly and time-consuming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose an alternative, complementary approach to assess the scale of the reproducibility crisis.
• To examine researcher trust in data using sociological and philosophical methodologies.
• To provide initial evidence for understanding and tackling the reproducibility crisis.

Main Methods:

• Meta-research utilizing sociological and philosophical methodologies.
• Examination of the criteria researchers use to judge data reliability.
• Analysis of researcher trust in scientific data.

Main Results:

• The study suggests a novel approach to investigate the reproducibility crisis.
• It highlights the importance of understanding researcher perceptions of data reliability.
• This meta-research offers a more feasible alternative to extensive replication studies.

Conclusions:

• Understanding researcher trust in data is crucial for assessing the reproducibility crisis.
• Sociological and philosophical meta-research can offer valuable insights.
• This approach can guide efforts to improve data reliability and reproducibility in the life sciences.