Reproducibility in Science: A Metrology Perspective

Abstract

Scientific progress requires the ability of scientists to build on the results produced by those who preceded them. Because of this, there is concern that irreproducible scientific results are being reported. We suggest that while reproducibility can be an important hallmark of good science, it is not often the most important indicator. The discipline of metrology, or measurement science, describes a measurement result as a value and the uncertainty around that value. We propose a systematic process for considering the sources of uncertainty in a scientific study that can be applied to virtually all disciplines of scientific research.  We suggest that a research study can be characterized by how sources of uncertainty in the study are reported and mitigated.  Such activities can add to the value of scientific results and the ability to share data effectively.