A Few Case Studies of QRP-Driven Irreproducible Results
R. Barker Bausell · 2021
Abstract Examples of a dispiriting number of jaw-dropping, irreproducible scientific results are described here, emanating from disparate fields of inquiry. These examples include epidemiological studies that regularly report diametrically conflicting relationships regarding risk factors and health, completely incompetent studies conducted involving the relationship between functional magnetic resonance imaging results and psychosocial variables, and positive genetic associations with cognitive and affective constructs that do not replicate. Studies (and perhaps even some entire disciplines) such as these may have some amusement value when their results are reported in the press, but their untoward effects on science should not be underestimated. Methodological reasons for the appearance of these almost universally positive studies include the previously discussed questionable research practices, several of which are famously blended into a metaphoric scientific journey through the garden of forking paths by Andrew Gelman and Eric Loken, whose article is discussed in this chapter.