Replication studies

Question 1

What is meant by a replication study?

Answer 1

A study that tries to repeat an earlier study, using similar methods and conducted under similar circumstances, to determine the reproducibility of the earlier studies results

Question 2

How is reducibility defined?

Answer 2

the extent to which the results of a replication study agree with those of the earlier study.

Question 3

What does the desirability of a replication study depend on?

Answer 3

how much is already known about reproducibility and on the extent to which improving reproducibility is desirable compared to other investment targets for research funds.

Question 4

What three broad strategies can help establish the right conditions for replication studies?

Answer 4

improving information-sharing about original and replication studies; improving knowledge about when and how to perform replication studies; and creating better incentives for replication studies.

Question 5

What three measures does The Academy recommend researchers, funding agencies, journals and institutions adopt?

Answer 5

Improve study methods
Improve study reporting
Create proper incentives

Question 6

To allow researchers to conduct replication studies when indicated, what do the authors recommend?

Answer 6

Improve information sharing
Improve know-how
Create better incentives