Open data protects against which questionable research practice?
Group of answer choices
HARKing
p-hacking
file drawer problems
under reporting null effects
Correct Answer: File drawer problems
Open data primarily protects against the file drawer problem, a questionable research practice where researchers do not publish studies that yield null or non-significant results. The term comes from the idea that such results get metaphorically “filed away in a drawer” rather than shared with the scientific community. This practice leads to publication bias, where the body of published research disproportionately features positive findings, creating a distorted view of the evidence.
By requiring researchers to make their data openly available—whether the findings are significant or not—open data initiatives help ensure that all outcomes are accessible. This transparency discourages selective reporting and incentivizes researchers to report results accurately, regardless of whether they support their hypotheses. As more journals and funding agencies adopt open data policies, the scientific community gains a more comprehensive picture of the available evidence, making meta-analyses and systematic reviews more accurate.
Although open data can indirectly discourage other questionable research practices like p-hacking (manipulating data to find statistically significant results) and HARKing (Hypothesizing After the Results are Known), it is most directly effective against the file drawer problem. This is because even if someone manipulates data or adjusts hypotheses post hoc, the availability of raw data allows others to reanalyze it and identify inconsistencies or bias. However, it doesn’t necessarily prevent those practices from occurring in the first place.
In contrast, open data directly counters the file drawer problem by demanding transparency in the reporting of all research outcomes. Thus, it promotes reproducibility, accountability, and integrity in scientific research, helping to build a more trustworthy and accurate scientific record.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is: