Good Culture

REWARD NULL FINDINGS

Far too many scientists, journals, and funders disfavor null findings. This is exactly wrong. Null findings add to our knowledge of what doesn’t work. Moreover, a preference for “exciting” results creates an incentive for scientists to distort or even falsify their results. Culture should reward scientists who tell the truth, even when it is appointing.

DEPTH OVER VOLUME

Too many stakeholders reward quantity of output over quality (e.g., number of articles, number of citations). Institutions should consider practices such as only allowing researchers to list their top 5 papers when applying for jobs or tenure.

SUPPORT SCIENTIFIC TOOLBUILDERS AND SLEUTHS

Science depends on those who build tools and those who hold it accountable. We should put a higher cultural value on both the builders and the watchdogs, so that they have more career opportunities and aren’t forced out of science.