What are the most effective ways to report negative results in laboratory research?

2 Provide context and rationale

The second step to report negative results is to provide context and rationale for your research design and analysis. You should describe the background and motivation for your study, the existing knowledge and gaps in the literature, and the aims and objectives of your research. You should also explain how you selected and applied the appropriate methods, techniques, and tools to address your research question and hypothesis, and how you ensured the validity and reliability of your data and results.

3 Highlight implications and limitations

The third step to report negative results is to highlight the implications and limitations of your findings. You should discuss how your negative results contribute to the advancement or refinement of your field or discipline, and how they compare or contrast with previous or concurrent studies. You should also acknowledge the potential sources of bias, error, or uncertainty that may have affected your results, and how you addressed or minimized them. You should also suggest ways to improve or extend your research in the future.

4 Use appropriate formats and channels

The fourth step to report negative results is to use appropriate formats and channels to communicate your findings to your target audience. You should choose the most suitable medium and style for your purpose and message, such as a journal article, a conference presentation, a poster, a blog post, or a podcast. You should also follow the relevant guidelines and standards for your field or discipline, such as the structure, format, and language of your report. You should also consider the ethical and legal aspects of sharing your data and results, such as the protection of privacy, confidentiality, and intellectual property.

5 Engage with feedback and criticism

The fifth step to report negative results is to engage with feedback and criticism from your peers and stakeholders. You should welcome and respond to constructive comments and questions that can help you improve or clarify your research. You should also be prepared to defend or justify your choices and assumptions, and to address any challenges or controversies that may arise from your negative results. You should also be open to learning from other perspectives and experiences, and to collaborating with other researchers who share your interests or goals.

6 Promote a culture of transparency and honesty

The sixth and final step to report negative results is to promote a culture of transparency and honesty in laboratory research. You should recognize and value the importance and benefits of reporting negative results, such as increasing the reliability and reproducibility of research, avoiding waste and duplication of resources, and stimulating new ideas and discoveries. You should also encourage and support other researchers who report negative results, and advocate for the recognition and reward of such efforts. You should also contribute to the development and adoption of policies and practices that facilitate and incentivize the reporting of negative results in laboratory research.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?