Observing many researchers using the same data and hypothesis reveals a hidden universe of uncertainty | Munich Center for the Economics of Aging - MEA
Home
Publikationen

Observing many researchers using the same data and hypothesis reveals a hidden universe of uncertainty

Inhalt

Will different researchers converge on similar findings when analyzing the same data? Seventy-three independent research teams used identical cross-country survey data to test a prominent social science hypothesis: that more immigration will reduce public support for government provision of social policies. Instead of convergence, teams’ results varied greatly, ranging from large negative to large positive effects of immigration on social policy support. The choices made by the research teams in designing their statistical tests explain very little of this variation; a hidden universe of uncertainty remains. Considering this variation, scientists, especially those working with the complexities of human societies and behavior, should exercise humility and strive to better account for the uncertainty in their work.

Publikationsdetails

Nate Breznau

Stefan-Gruber

Stefan Gruber

Sand-2

Gregor Sand

al et

2022
10.1073/pnas.2203150119
119(44):e2203150119
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences