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Large-Scale Assessment of the Effect of Popularity on the Reliability of Research

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  • Thomas Pfeiffer
  • Robert Hoffmann

Abstract

Based on theoretical reasoning it has been suggested that the reliability of findings published in the scientific literature decreases with the popularity of a research field. Here we provide empirical support for this prediction. We evaluate published statements on protein interactions with data from high-throughput experiments. We find evidence for two distinctive effects. First, with increasing popularity of the interaction partners, individual statements in the literature become more erroneous. Second, the overall evidence on an interaction becomes increasingly distorted by multiple independent testing. We therefore argue that for increasing the reliability of research it is essential to assess the negative effects of popularity and develop approaches to diminish these effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Pfeiffer & Robert Hoffmann, 2009. "Large-Scale Assessment of the Effect of Popularity on the Reliability of Research," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 4(6), pages 1-4, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0005996
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005996
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John P A Ioannidis, 2005. "Why Most Published Research Findings Are False," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 2(8), pages 1-1, August.
    2. Goodman, S.N. & Royall, R., 1988. "Evidence and scientific research," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 78(12), pages 1568-1574.
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