In the next Perspectives on Science seminar, Pekka Syrjänen (University of Helsinki) will give a talk on his paper co-authored with Mark Rubin (Durham University) titled “Methodological Pluralism and the Replication Crisis”.
The seminar takes place in person at Metsätalo room 10 and online via Zoom from 14:15 to 15:45 on Monday the 5th of May 2025.
Perspectives on Science is a research seminar which brings together experts from the philosophy of science and several fields of science studies. It is organized by TINT – Centre for Philosophy of Social Science at the University of Helsinki.
What: “Methodological Pluralism and the Replication Crisis” by Pekka Syrjänen
When: Monday 05.05.2025 from 2 to 4 pm (EEST)
Where: Metsätalo (sali 10), and Zoom.
For Zoom link, please contact mirja-leena.zgurskaya@helsinki.fi.
Abstract:
In the scientific literature, solutions to the replication crisis often involve imposing stricter restrictions on the research process, such as preregistration and adherence to confirmatory research methods. In this article, we argue that reliable results can be produced through a variety of research methods. We support this claim by examining factors that influence the reliability of research findings across multiple levels of scientific inference, including background knowledge and assumptions, theory content and structure, methodology, and data. We argue that the reliability of findings depends on a set of key factors across these levels, rather than adhering to a particular methodological stance. Our analysis thus shows that reliable results can emerge through diverse pathways, including both theory-driven and data-driven methods.
Bio:
Pekka Syrjänen is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki. His work focuses on the role of prediction in science.
And co-author, Mark Rubin bio:
Mark Rubin is a professor of social psychology at Durham University. His research focuses on social identity, stereotyping, and prejudice. He has published metascientific work on issues connected with the replication crisis in science such as preregistration, multiple testing, significance testing, and hypothesising after the results are known (HARKing).
If you have any questions about the seminar, do not hesitate to contact mirja-leena.zgurskaya@helsinki.fi.