‘When things don’t work out, that’s business as usual’: Scientists’ perception of setbacks and failure in experimental research

Although experimental science is renowned for its discoveries, conducting research often involves dealing with problems and setbacks in the research process. Such research endeavors are often marked as failures, even though they have produced new knowledge. This paper explores researchers’ perspectives on these issues, shedding light on how they navigate setbacks in the research process. By conducting participant observation and qualitative interviews within two research groups, one in biochemistry and one in optical physics, our study reveals that experimental scientists tend to reject the notion of failed research when faced with unexpected results or unanticipated challenges. Instead, they recognize these instances as learning opportunities rather than failure as an inevitable outcome. However, the concept of failure is applied selectively, particularly when recognition for scientific efforts is lacking. Using Bourdieu’s framework, we illustrate the nuanced categories and classifications that experimental researchers use to understand and articulate their experiences of failure in science.