Rigorous Science: a How-To Guide
ABSTRACT Proposals to improve the reproducibility of biomedical research have emphasized scientific rigor. Although the word “rigor” is widely used, there has been little specific discussion as to what it means and how it can be achieved. We suggest that scientific rigor combines elements of mathema...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
American Society for Microbiology
2016-12-01
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| Series: | mBio |
| Online Access: | https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mBio.01902-16 |
| _version_ | 1818346790095683584 |
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| author | Arturo Casadevall Ferric C. Fang |
| author_facet | Arturo Casadevall Ferric C. Fang |
| author_sort | Arturo Casadevall |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | ABSTRACT Proposals to improve the reproducibility of biomedical research have emphasized scientific rigor. Although the word “rigor” is widely used, there has been little specific discussion as to what it means and how it can be achieved. We suggest that scientific rigor combines elements of mathematics, logic, philosophy, and ethics. We propose a framework for rigor that includes redundant experimental design, sound statistical analysis, recognition of error, avoidance of logical fallacies, and intellectual honesty. These elements lead to five actionable recommendations for research education. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-13T17:23:52Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-8ef57266a7c64dd9846929edec4dc48d |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2150-7511 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-13T17:23:52Z |
| publishDate | 2016-12-01 |
| publisher | American Society for Microbiology |
| record_format | Article |
| series | mBio |
| spelling | doaj.art-8ef57266a7c64dd9846929edec4dc48d2022-12-21T23:37:15ZengAmerican Society for MicrobiologymBio2150-75112016-12-017610.1128/mBio.01902-16Rigorous Science: a How-To GuideArturo Casadevall0Ferric C. Fang1Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USADepartments of Laboratory Medicine and Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USAABSTRACT Proposals to improve the reproducibility of biomedical research have emphasized scientific rigor. Although the word “rigor” is widely used, there has been little specific discussion as to what it means and how it can be achieved. We suggest that scientific rigor combines elements of mathematics, logic, philosophy, and ethics. We propose a framework for rigor that includes redundant experimental design, sound statistical analysis, recognition of error, avoidance of logical fallacies, and intellectual honesty. These elements lead to five actionable recommendations for research education.https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mBio.01902-16 |
| spellingShingle | Arturo Casadevall Ferric C. Fang Rigorous Science: a How-To Guide mBio |
| title | Rigorous Science: a How-To Guide |
| title_full | Rigorous Science: a How-To Guide |
| title_fullStr | Rigorous Science: a How-To Guide |
| title_full_unstemmed | Rigorous Science: a How-To Guide |
| title_short | Rigorous Science: a How-To Guide |
| title_sort | rigorous science a how to guide |
| url | https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mBio.01902-16 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT arturocasadevall rigorousscienceahowtoguide AT ferriccfang rigorousscienceahowtoguide |