The Open Science Challenge: Adopt One Practice that Enacts Widely Shared Values

Abstract

The open science movement introduced many research practices intended to enhance the rigor and trustworthiness of our science. While these practices are enticing, the breadth of tactics can be overwhelming and imply an all-or-nothing approach to open science that can discourage getting started. We cast the adoption of open science practices metaphorically: selecting which practice to use in a specific study is like visiting a buffet filled with an assortment of cuisines. The buffet will be best experienced over multiple visits where different cuisines are sampled (rather than selecting an overwhelming amount). We suggest that reflecting on widely shared core values of science—such as objectivity, honesty, openness, accountability, fairness, and stewardship—can help a scholar find their entry point in the buffet. We then share this buffet of open science practices, highlight exemplar cases in the literature where an open science practice has been enacted, and also bring attention to guidance for getting started. We close by challenging our readers to find one small win in open science to make our research more transparent, open, cumulative, and robust.