Meta-research is research about research itself: the methods we use, how we report findings, and the research culture and incentive structure behind the scenes. There are still many lessons to learn and how can improve what we do as scientists, here an overview of some topics that I have investigated in my work in collaboration with other meta-researchers.
Robust research practices
Statistics
During my PhD I have increasingly become interested in statistics, research on research practices (meta-research), and ways how science can be communicated in a better way to the general public. For instance, in collaboration with Johannes Algermissen (Nijmegen University, Netherlands) we have published a short review on statistical power in neuroscience. Statistical power is key to robust science and recent work suggests that more needs to be done in this area. Some key insights and perspectives were featured in the Journal of Neurophysiology podcast. In another collaboration with Dr. Paul Hanel (now University of Essex), we have investigated how science findings can be reported in a more informative way to members of the general public. Lastly, in collaboration with co-editors we have made recommendations how to follow-up non-significant findings and conduct adequate statistical power analyses. The article was highlighted in Nature Index.
During my PhD I have increasingly become interested in statistics, research on research practices (meta-research), and ways how science can be communicated in a better way to the general public. For instance, in collaboration with Johannes Algermissen (Nijmegen University, Netherlands) we have published a short review on statistical power in neuroscience. Statistical power is key to robust science and recent work suggests that more needs to be done in this area. Some key insights and perspectives were featured in the Journal of Neurophysiology podcast. In another collaboration with Dr. Paul Hanel (now University of Essex), we have investigated how science findings can be reported in a more informative way to members of the general public. Lastly, in collaboration with co-editors we have made recommendations how to follow-up non-significant findings and conduct adequate statistical power analyses. The article was highlighted in Nature Index.
Open science
... describes a transformative way to conduct research in a more robust way. In collaboration with Dr Chris Allen (Cardiff University) we have recently discussed "Open Science challenges, benefits and tips in early career and beyond". Our opinion paper also contains the first (exploratory) analysis on the prevalence of null findings for registered reports, suggesting that this open science publishing format effectively reduces publication bias. This analysis was recently highlighted in a feature published in Nature. If you want to find out more about open science opportunities, check out our collaborative spread sheet and feel free to add to it!
... describes a transformative way to conduct research in a more robust way. In collaboration with Dr Chris Allen (Cardiff University) we have recently discussed "Open Science challenges, benefits and tips in early career and beyond". Our opinion paper also contains the first (exploratory) analysis on the prevalence of null findings for registered reports, suggesting that this open science publishing format effectively reduces publication bias. This analysis was recently highlighted in a feature published in Nature. If you want to find out more about open science opportunities, check out our collaborative spread sheet and feel free to add to it!
Systematic reviews, meta-analyses and best practice recommendations
In collaboration with Dr. Lucas Trambaiolli (Harvard University), Dr. Simon Kohl (RWTH Aachen), Dr. Michael Lührs (Maastricht University), Dr. Robert Thibault (Bristol University) and other colleages we have reviewed the evidence for different neurofeedback training applications and brain imaging modalities, including fNIRS-based neurofeedback training, as well as EEG and fMRI-based neurofeedback training to treat depressive disorder and to treat memory impairment in dementia and the aging brain. Based on these systematic reviews, we have formulated best practices recommendations for individual applications. Moreover, my work has informed best practice recommendations for design and reporting of neurofeedback training protocols, contributing to consesus pape of the field, the "Consensus on the reporting and experimental design of clinical and cognitive-behavioural neurofeedback studies (CRED-nf checklist)".
In collaboration with Dr. Lucas Trambaiolli (Harvard University), Dr. Simon Kohl (RWTH Aachen), Dr. Michael Lührs (Maastricht University), Dr. Robert Thibault (Bristol University) and other colleages we have reviewed the evidence for different neurofeedback training applications and brain imaging modalities, including fNIRS-based neurofeedback training, as well as EEG and fMRI-based neurofeedback training to treat depressive disorder and to treat memory impairment in dementia and the aging brain. Based on these systematic reviews, we have formulated best practices recommendations for individual applications. Moreover, my work has informed best practice recommendations for design and reporting of neurofeedback training protocols, contributing to consesus pape of the field, the "Consensus on the reporting and experimental design of clinical and cognitive-behavioural neurofeedback studies (CRED-nf checklist)".
