Is scientific reform an unwinnable arms race?

Rachel Marcus; Jorge E. Chavarro

doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.3003660

February 11, 2026PLoS BiologyOpen Access

Is scientific reform an unwinnable arms race?

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Key Points

The aim is to explore whether reforms in scientific methods improve the quality of studies and evidence.
Examined existing literature on scientific methods
Analyzed trends in study quality over time
Identified factors contributing to poor-quality studies
Observed an increase in the number of poor-quality studies despite reforms
Noted a disparity between expected and actual study quality improvements
Highlighted a cyclic nature of efforts and outcomes in scientific reform

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Abstract

Improvements to scientific methods and approaches should, in theory, mean more robust evidence and inference, and more rapid advances in knowledge. In practice, they have led to an increasing number of poor-quality studies. Can we break this cycle?

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Marcus et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/699010942ccff479cfe56df3 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3003660

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Is scientific reform an unwinnable arms race?

Key Points

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Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Is scientific reform an unwinnable arms race?

Key Points

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Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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