Opinion Paper - Special Collection: Open Science Practices - a vision for the future of SAJIP

Avoiding the elephant in the room: The real reasons behind our research crisis

Crystal Hoole
SA Journal of Industrial Psychology | Vol 45 | a1723 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajip.v45i0.1723 | © 2019 Crystal Hoole | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 30 July 2019 | Published: 12 December 2019

About the author(s)

Crystal Hoole, Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Problemification: In recent years, the so-called publication crisis has reached alarming proportions, and the psychology and industrial psychology profession are not left unscathed. Efendic and van Zyl investigated the crisis and emphasised on open science practices as a strategy to address the issues.

Implications: This article argues that the problem is much deeper than a matter of replication and should be approached from a systemic and holistic perspective. The author argues that the root causes can be grouped into four main categories, namely policies, ethics, systemic or institutional and research methodology. Unless the root causes are not addressed, the crisis will deepen.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to reflect on Efendic and van Zyl’s analysis and offer additional insights.

Recommendations: A number of additional strategies are offered to address the real problems behind the replication problem.


Keywords

Research methodology; Replication crisis; Higher education; Academic dishonesty; Ethics; Policies

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Crossref Citations

1. Factors influencing the promotion and implementation of research integrity in research performing and research funding organizations: A scoping review
Rea Roje, Andrea Reyes Elizondo, Wolfgang Kaltenbrunner, Ivan Buljan, Ana Marušić
Accountability in Research  vol: 30  issue: 8  first page: 633  year: 2023  
doi: 10.1080/08989621.2022.2073819