30 Seconds SummaryWhen To Trust Research Findings
- Most published research findings are false with landmark studies often failing to replicate.
- Publication bias is a significant issue, pushing journals to prefer studies with significant results.
- P-hacking involves manipulating data analysis to produce significant results where none exist.
- General sloppiness in data collection and study design can result in incorrect findings.
- Data peeking before a study's endpoint can inflate positive results.
- HARKing involves creating hypotheses after data analysis is complete, often misleading research direction.
- Low statistical power in a study increases the risk of false positive and negative findings.
- Financial incentives and funding sources can affect study results, introducing biases in design and interpretation.
- Better to rely on studies with small p-values, large effect sizes, and those that align with existing research.
- Pre-registration of a study's methods reduces the risk of questionable research practices.
- Expert opinions and independent predictions can help assess the replication potential of research findings.
