Introducing the “Journal of Contradicting Results in Science”

Abstract

It has often been said that knowledge builds on knowledge. Sir Isaac Newton is credited with stating that “If I have seen a little further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”. Scientific research proceeds more rapidly and successfully as our knowledge base increases. Often a major breakthrough is due to the culmination of events including the pursuit of incorrect hypotheses and assumptions, innumerable errors and missed opportunities, hard work, the accumulation of knowledge over time, and lucky breaks. The publication of findings (both expected and unexpected) increases our knowledge base, thus adding pieces to the puzzle and aiding in the final solution. However, there is currently a bias to publish only results that are perceived as ‘successful’; i.e. results that are positive (showing a significant finding) and/or that fit within the current model for a given research field. Results that are negative (supporting the null hypothesis) or are inconclusive are often not published, leading to a biased (perhaps false) representation in the published literature. Furthermore, results that refute a current paradigm often meet with considerable resistance to publication. Read More . . .