Methods make all the difference
How clear and detailed methods promote reproducibility, increase trust, and reinforce high-quality research
The notion that results can be reproduced by performing the same action under the same circumstances is at the very root of the scientific method. For that reason, reproducibility is a primary signifier of research quality and integrity. And when it comes to reproducibility, clear, detailed methods are the key.
A matter of methods
Openly sharing methods is both practical and symbolic—a proactive step designed to facilitate reproducibility and increase efficiency, and a statement of confidence in one’s own work. Importantly, both these goals work together to support trust in the research, and over time, to develop a reputation for producing high quality research.
The methods section alone is not enough
Reproducibility is in the details: how much, how long, in what order? A narrative methods section—however thorough—isn’t a very effective way to convey the kinds of specific instructions necessary to execute a scientific experiment.
Not convinced? Consider this thought experiment…
Imagine the instructions for setting up a new appliance, like a satellite TV, consisted of 5 paragraphs of text within a longer essay about the TV. Wouldn’t you rather have a list of steps with illustrative figures? Now consider how much more complex a scientific experiment is!
Many ways to share
Open Science offers a wide range of different options for sharing methods more effectively and efficiently. For example:
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1 年A well designed conceptual platform to add to objective scientific journalistic historical accurate information for collective contribution to generating scientific knowledge to build upon the the facts to support data and dynamic collective contribution to obtain consensus and trust that each phase of building solutions based upon demonstrable replicaction consistent results without having deviation in the sequence of steps or stages to obtain the desired results. Is similar to behavioral modification of forward chaing and backward chaining to instruct those with minimal brain dysfunction to do assembly piece work in the technology sector of SCV. Siimilar to a mechanical engineer designing factory automation. Open source virtual laboratories is referred to in the fifth industrial revolution. As Back building the future from the past in the present. Requiring those unique minds that have a large data bssd, extremely accurate pattern recognition and a multi dimensional polymathic vision coupled with the passion to resolve civilization issues confirmd by the same process that trajectory to meet our nutritional requirements impacted by demographics and humanities past and present methods of agriculture production must adapt.MWM