A commentary on research rigour in clinical psychological science: How to avoid throwing out the innovation baby with the research credibility bath water in the depression field. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dunn, Barnaby D.; O'Mahen, Heather; Wright, Kim; Brown, Gary
• Is Part Of: Behaviour research and therapy. Volume 120(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: Research waste -- Innovation -- Intervention development -- Intervention implementation -- Clinical trial design; Cognitive therapy -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; 616.891
• DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2019.103417
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0005-7967

Abstract

Abstract: Proponents of the research credibility movement make a number of recommendations to enhance research rigour in psychology. These represent positive advances and can enhance replicability in clinical psychological science. This article evaluates whether there are any risks associated with this movement. We argue that there is the potential for research credibility principles to stifle innovation and exacerbate type II error, but only if they are applied too rigidly and beyond their intended scope by funders, journals and scientists. We outline ways to mitigate these risks. Further, we discuss how research credibility issues need to be situated within broader concerns about research waste. A failure to optimise the process by which basic science findings are used to inform the development of novel treatments (the first translational gap) and effective treatments are then implemented in real-world settings (the second translational gap) are also significant sources of research waste in depression. We make some suggestions about how to better cross these translational gaps. Highlights: We discuss possible risks if research rigour principles are applied too rigidly. We use research into depression as an illustration. Theoretical innovation could be stifled. A focus on reducing type I error could inadvertently exacerbate type II error. Treatment development and implementation could be neglected.