Abstract

Like it or not, error, misconduct, and fraud are part of the research enterprise. These occur, in part, because science is open, competitive, and difficult making it difficult to prevent these from occurring. However, science mitigates the problems of error, misconduct, and fraud by being self-correcting — continuously identifying and addressing these problems. Except when it doesn’t. To be self-correcting, the social system of science must support the people and processes that detect and correct errors. In this open question and answer discussion, prominent contributors will share their experiences trying to address problematic research practices. Where does the system fall short in self-correction? What changes to policy and practice would make self-correction ordinary and more efficient? Are there examples where self-correction has gone particularly well that can be replicated?