About this product

Product Identifiers

PublisherColumbia University Press

ISBN-100231216238

ISBN-139780231216234

eBay Product ID (ePID)21071785696

Product Key Features

Number of Pages328 Pages

Publication NameUnreliable : Bias, Fraud, and the Reproducibility Crisis in Biomedical Research

LanguageEnglish

SubjectGeneral, Research, Research & Methodology

Publication Year2025

TypeTextbook

AuthorCsaba Szabo

Subject AreaScience, Medical

FormatHardcover

Dimensions

Item Height0.1 in

Item Weight23.3 Oz

Item Length0.9 in

Item Width0.6 in

Additional Product Features

Intended AudienceTrade

LCCN2024-039326

Dewey Edition23

Reviews['Unreliable'] is a disturbing but compelling exploration of the causes of irreproducibility--from hypercompetition and honest errors, to statistical shenanigans and outright fraud., Science is a respected profession, but it is the product of human activity. Thus, human errors are inevitable. Moreover, some scientists make hubristic claims, and some even engage in data falsification and fabrication. Unreliable exposes the various factors that contribute to the reproducibility crisis in biomedical science., If one of the world's most highly cited biomedical scientists concludes that the majority of the published biomedical literature is unreliable, you better pay attention. Unreliable is supported by vast amounts of data, and it is infused with biting, sarcastic dark humor., Szabo...dissects the ways he's seen research go wrong in his 30 years in academia and industry: data manipulation, poor experimental design, statistical errors and more. It's a sobering, often depressing, litany., The stories in the book are from the frontlines, where those of us who try to maintain research funding and run a lab are fighting misconduct daily. Importantly, the book offers concrete solutions for how we as scientists might hope to fix the broken systems of research oversight., In the name of honest and dedicated scientists, Unreliable is an outcry against the broken system of biomedical research. Csaba Szabo gives a comprehensive analysis of inept grant award schemes and corrupt publication practices and calls for an urgent overhaul., Unreliable courageously examines the systemic issues plaguing biomedical studies--from immense pressures to flawed incentives that drive researchers toward unethical practices. It is essential reading for anyone concerned with the integrity of scientific research and the implications of its shortcomings on society., The problem of irreproducible and fraudulent research is addressed in depth by an active researcher at the top level of biomedical science. This highly readable book gives unique insights into the process of how research is funded and conducted, how this creates problems, and what we need to do to counteract an alarming growth in shoddy science., Szabo blows the lid off his field. Essential reading for everyone working in--and contemplating entering--biomedical science, 'Unreliable' is an engrossing, timely contribution to research fraud, the resultant reproducibility crisis, and the ongoing battle for scientific integrity., This is a rollicking good read, written in an informal style, and enlivened by cartoons, which works as a scholarly and accessible account of the so-called reproducibility crisis in biomedical research.

IllustratedYes

Dewey Decimal610.724

Table Of ContentPreface 1. Careers and Career Pressures in Biomedical Science 2. Hypercompetition for Research Grants 3. "Doing Science": From Hypothesis to Publication 4. Scientific Fraud--and the Fraudulent Fraudsters 5. A Broken Scientific Publishing System 6. The Way Forward Afterword Appendix Notes Index

SynopsisReproducibility is fundamental to the scientific method. After reading a paper describing research findings, a scientist should be able to repeat the experiment and obtain the same results. Yet an alarming number--perhaps as high as 90 percent--of published biomedical research papers face challenges in independent replication. Such issues range from honest mistakes to outright fraud. The scope of this crisis, however, underscores deeper systemic issues within the scientific community: its culture, incentives, and institutions. In Unreliable , the distinguished scientist Csaba Szabo examines the causes and consequences of the reproducibility crisis in biomedical research, showing why the factors that encourage misconduct stem from flaws in real-world science. There are many culprits, including commonplace research methods and dubious statistical techniques. Academic career incentives, hypercompetition for grant funding, and a bias toward publishing positive results have exacerbated the problem. Deliberate data manipulation and fabricated findings churned out by "paper mills" are disturbingly common. Academic institutions and publishers, for their part, have perpetuated a culture of impunity. Szabo explores how these failures have hindered scientific progress and impeded the development of new treatments, and he introduces readers to the "science sleuths" who tirelessly uncover misconduct. He proposes comprehensive reforms, from scientific training to the grant system through the publication process, to address the root causes of the crisis. Written in clear language and leavened with a keen sense of irony, Unreliable is an essential account of the reproducibility crisis that gives readers an inside look at how science is actually done., Reproducibility is fundamental to the scientific method. After reading a paper describing research findings, a scientist should be able to repeat the experiment and obtain the same results. Yet an alarming number-perhaps as high as 90 percent-of published biomedical research papers face challenges in independent replication. Such issues range from honest mistakes to outright fraud. The scope of this crisis, however, underscores deeper systemic issues within the scientific community: its culture, incentives, and institutions. In Unreliable, the distinguished scientist Csaba Szabo examines the causes and consequences of the reproducibility crisis in biomedical research, showing why the factors that encourage misconduct stem from flaws in real-world science. There are many culprits, including commonplace research methods and dubious statistical techniques. Academic career incentives, hypercompetition for grant funding, and a bias toward publishing positive results have exacerbated the problem. Deliberate data manipulation and fabricated findings churned out by "paper mills" are disturbingly common. Academic institutions and publishers, for their part, have perpetuated a culture of impunity. Szabo explores how these failures have hindered scientific progress and impeded the development of new treatments, and he introduces readers to the "science sleuths" who tirelessly uncover misconduct. He proposes comprehensive reforms, from scientific training to the grant system through the publication process, to address the root causes of the crisis. Written in clear language and leavened with a keen sense of irony, Unreliable is an essential account of the reproducibility crisis that gives readers an inside look at how science is actually done., In Unreliable , the distinguished scientist Csaba Szabo examines the causes and consequences of the reproducibility crisis in biomedical research, showing why the factors that encourage misconduct stem from flaws in real-world science.

LC Classification NumberR852