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Against naïve induction from experimental data.
David Kellen1, Gregory E Cox2, Chris Donkin3
1Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA davekellen@gmail.com.
The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|February 4, 2024
Summary
This commentary critiques the integrated experiment design (IED) approach, arguing it automates scientific thinking and may impede research progress. Current piecemeal testing methods are defended against IED
Area of Science:
- Scientific methodology
- Research design
Background:
- Current experimental practices, including piecemeal testing, face scrutiny.
- The integrated experiment design (IED) has been proposed as an alternative approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To argue against the adoption of the integrated experiment design (IED).
- To highlight undesirable features of IED that could hinder scientific progress.
Main Methods:
- This is a commentary, not an empirical study.
- Analysis of the proposed integrated experiment design (IED) and its implications for scientific thinking and progress.
Main Results:
- The integrated experiment design (IED) is viewed as an attempt to automate scientific thinking.
- Several undesirable features of IED are identified.
Conclusions:
- Broad application of IED is likely to hinder, rather than advance, scientific progress.
- Current experimental practices, despite criticisms, are defended in this commentary.
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