Value of direct (exact) replications


The need for direct replications is sometimes overlooked. We expect that the individual scientist will be objective and honest. However, direct replications are often necessary to ensure that results are not falsified. Interesting references that make this point include

Bales, J. (1988, Nov.) "Bruenig pleads guilty in scientific fraud case."

APA Monitor, p.12.

Broad, W. J. & Wade, N. (1982). Science's faulty fraud detectors. Psychology Today,

16, p. 50-57.

Flamm, B. (2007, May/June). Third strike for Columbia University prayer study: Author plagiarism. Skeptical Inquirer, 31 (3), 19-20.

                  and the related article online at this link.

Rogers, M. (May 8, 1989). "The follies of science: Researchers have believed what

they didn't see." Newsweek, p.56.

Wheeler, D. L. (July 3, 1991). "U.S. has barred grants to 6 scientists in past 2 years: 174 allegations

of misconduct examined in new 'integrity' effort." Chronicle of Higher Education.

and

the following report of fraud from the July 23, 2007 Federal Register

(If you want additional examples of fraud, you can download this 7 page annotated bibliography).

To help students find, read, and understand a study that they could replicate, you might use one of our "article translators" handouts from the bonus article menu.

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