Beyond the null: Recognizing and reporting true negative findings
Manon K. Schweinfurth, Joachim G. Frommen · iScience · 2024
negative findings, which has received limited attention so far. We discuss sources of false negative findings, using experimental and observational animal behavior and cognition studies as examples, which often differ from those of false positive findings. We conclude by recommending strategies for rigorous studies, such as conducting positive controls, selecting diverse samples, designing engaging protocols, and clearly labeling negative findings. These practices will lead to studies that contribute to our knowledge, regardless of whether they result in positive or negative findings.