Why Most Published Research Findings Are False A Research Paper by John P.A. Ioannidis journals.plos.org There is increasing concern that most current published research findings are false. The probability that a research claim is true may depend on study power and bias, the number of other studies on the same question, and, importantly, the ratio of true to no relationships among the relationships probed in each scientific field. In this framework, a research finding is less likely to be true when the studies conducted in a field are smaller; when effect sizes are smaller; when there is a greater number and lesser preselection of tested relationships; where there is greater flexibility in designs, definitions, outcomes, and analytical modes; when there is greater financial and other interest and prejudice; and when more teams are involved in a scientific field in chase of statistical significance. researchsciencetruth
The illustrated guide to a Ph.D. An Article by Matt Might matt.might.net Show image 0 Show image 1 Imagine a circle that contains all of human knowledge. By the time you finish elementary school, you know a little. By the time you finish high school, you know a bit more. With a bachelor's degree, you gain a specialty. A master's degree deepens that specialty: Reading research papers takes you to the edge of human knowledge. Once you're at the boundary, you focus. You push at the boundary for a few years. Until one day, the boundary gives way. And, that dent you've made is called a Ph.D.. Of course, the world looks different to you now. So, don't forget the bigger picture. Keep pushing. knowledgescienceprogressresearch