Analytic transparency is key for reproducibility of agricultural research

Abstract

Abstract There are growing concerns over the failure of attempts to confirm findings from past studies in various disciplines, and this problem is now known as the “reproducibility crisis” or “replication crisis”. In the agricultural sciences, this problem has remained unappreciated, underreported and there are deficiencies in efforts to tackle it. According to a recent analysis, it is difficult to reproduce on-farm experiments due to the lack of research transparency. Non-reproducible research does not only waste resources, but it can also slow down scientific progress and undermine public trust. In this commentary, my aim is to draw attention to the evolving concepts and terminology used in characterizing reproducibility and the common reasons for non-reproducibility of past research. I argue that analytic transparency is not only key for reproducibility of research but it can facilitate systematic reviews, meta-analyses and evidence mapping to guide formulation of evidence-based policies and practices.

Keywords

• Generalizability
• On-farm research
• Repeatability
• Replicability
• Research transparency
• Validity