Which of the following does the author give as an example of a flawed incentive?
A finding is not science until it has been repeated. Yet in several fields, attempts to replicate celebrated studies have often failed. Some commentators conclude that science is broken. That goes too far. Failed replications are themselves scientific results, and the fact that they are being published shows the system correcting itself. The real defect lies in incentives: journals reward novelty, careers depend on publishing positive results, and nobody gains from confirming what is already believed. Changes such as registering study plans in advance and publishing negative results would shift the balance. It is a mistake to treat a self-correcting system's discovery of its own flaws as proof that it cannot be trusted.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: E. Journals rewarding novelty over confirmation of what is already believed
- Step 1: The passage lists: journals reward novelty, careers depend on positive results, nobody gains from confirming existing belief.
- Step 2: Matching the evidence to the choices leaves "Journals rewarding novelty over confirmation of what is already believed".
Answer
Journals rewarding novelty over confirmation of what is already believed.
Why not the others: No payment per study, employment bans, funding rules or government bans are mentioned.
Practise more Science and evidence.
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