The Hidden Costs of Academic Perfectionism
Briefly

The article addresses the often-overlooked costs associated with the pursuit of scientific perfection, illustrated through a replication study that became a lengthy and expensive endeavor. Initiated by Kevin Vezirian to verify a claimed effect regarding moral judgments linked to visual stimuli, the replication uncovers severe methodological flaws in the original research. What should have been a straightforward verification turned into a six-year project involving extensive data gathering and several studies, ultimately revealing no robust support for the original claim, underscoring the burdensome nature of scientific validation processes in academia.
This project demonstrates how the rigorous pursuit of scientific knowledge can lead to excessive costs in time, finances, and human effort, raising questions about the efficiency of such endeavors.
Despite compelling evidence against the original study's claim, the publication process imposed a need for more data, showcasing the sometimes unreasonable demands of scientific validation.
Replicating an earlier study to confirm findings can reveal hidden costs of scientific inquiry, ultimately prompting a reevaluation of what constitutes necessary thoroughness in research.
The journey of replication underwent a transformation from a straightforward project to an exhaustive six-year effort, illustrating the high stakes and pressures associated with academic research.
Read at Psychology Today
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