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. 2018 Apr 23;16(4):e2004299.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2004299. eCollection 2018 Apr.

How measurement science can improve confidence in research results

Anne L Plant  1 , Chandler A Becker  1 , Robert J Hanisch  1 , Ronald F Boisvert  2 , Antonio M Possolo  2 , John T Elliott  1
Affiliations

How measurement science can improve confidence in research results

Anne L Plant et al. PLoS Biol. .

Abstract

The current push for rigor and reproducibility is driven by a desire for confidence in research results. Here, we suggest a framework for a systematic process, based on consensus principles of measurement science, to guide researchers and reviewers in assessing, documenting, and mitigating the sources of uncertainty in a study. All study results have associated ambiguities that are not always clarified by simply establishing reproducibility. By explicitly considering sources of uncertainty, noting aspects of the experimental system that are difficult to characterize quantitatively, and proposing alternative interpretations, the researcher provides information that enhances comparability and reproducibility.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

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