New academic journal only publishes 'unsurprising' research rejected by others (cbc.ca)

Article summary

A new academic journal aims to publish research that is considered unsurprising or statistically insignificant, which is often rejected by other journals. This type of research can provide valuable information and help avoid duplication of efforts. The journal's goal is to promote the publication of negative results and provide a platform for researchers to share their findings. The concept of the journal has sparked a discussion about the importance of publishing all research results, regardless of their significance.

Main themes

• academic publishing
• negative results
• statistical significance
• research efficiency
• open-access journals
• publication fees
• research methodology
• scientific transparency

What commenters say

• Publishing negative results is essential to avoid skewing the distribution of results and to provide a complete picture of the research landscape.
• The current academic publishing system is flawed, with journals prioritizing positive results over negative ones, and charging high fees for publication.
• Publishing statistically insignificant results can be useful in avoiding unnecessary repetition of research and in providing context for future studies.
• The concept of statistical insignificance is complex and can be influenced by various factors, such as experimental design and data analysis.
• Some researchers argue that publishing methods that failed can be valuable in saving others from pursuing dead-end research.
• The academic publishing industry is criticized for its profit-driven model, where authors pay to publish and libraries pay for subscriptions.
• There is a need for more open-access journals that do not charge authors for publication, and for a shift towards a more transparent and equitable publishing system.
• The publication of negative results can help to prevent the duplication of efforts and promote more efficient research.
• The distinction between reputable and predatory journals is not always clear, with some reputable journals also charging authors for publication.