Problem
An article reports an effect based on a single experiment carried out in a single laboratory. What requirements are missing for the result to enter the shared body of scientific knowledge? Distinguish between repeatability, reproducibility, and peer review.
Solution
A single experiment in a single laboratory is, at most, a clue: it is not yet established scientific knowledge. Three distinct requirements are missing.
Repeatability (internal). The same laboratory, with the same instruments and under the same conditions, must obtain the same result by repeating the measurement several times. It serves to rule out that the effect is an isolated case or an accidental error.
Reproducibility (external). Other groups, in different laboratories and with their own instruments, must confirm the effect independently. It serves to rule out systematic errors linked to that particular apparatus or that particular team.
Peer review. Before publication, independent experts in the field examine the method, data analysis, and conclusions, checking that the reasoning holds up and that sources of error have been considered.
Only once a result is repeatable, reproducible, and has passed peer review does it become firmly part of the shared body of science. A single isolated study is not enough.
Links
Topics: Experimental method