Positives in research. When finding ‘nothing’ means something.

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If results are not reported (positive or negative) then other scientists may waste time and resources needlessly repeating experiments.

Or, in some situations, theories that are untrue or incomplete are never corrected, despite their potentially dire consequences.

• Format Texts
• Language/s English
• Target Audience Self-directed learning
• EBM Stage 0 - Why EBM?
• Duration <5 mins
• Difficulty Introductory

Key Concepts addressed

• 2-2b All fair comparisons and outcomes should be reported

Details

UNDERSTANDING RESEARCH: What do we actually mean by research and how does it help inform our understanding of things? It’s important to publish all results – both positive and negative – if researchers are to avoid repeating old mistakes. But where is the glory in negative results?

This article from The Conversation explains one of the most important factors affecting publication bias – the unwillingness to publish “negative” results.