Beyond Standardization: Improving External Validity and Reproducibility in Experimental Evolution. (24th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Desjardins, Eric; Kurtz, Joachim; Kranke, Nina; Lindeza, Ana; Richter, S Helene
• Is Part Of: BioScience. Volume 71:Number 5(2021)
• Page Start: 543
• Page End: 552
• Publication Date: 2021-02-24
• Subjects: experimental evolution -- reproducibility -- external validity -- standardization -- heterogenization; Life sciences -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- United States -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Government policy -- United States -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biotechnology industries -- Periodicals; 570
• DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biab008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0006-3568

Abstract

Abstract: Discussions of reproducibility are casting doubts on the credibility of experimental outcomes in the life sciences. Although experimental evolution is not typically included in these discussions, this field is also subject to low reproducibility, partly because of the inherent contingencies affecting the evolutionary process. A received view in experimental studies more generally is that standardization (i.e., rigorous homogenization of experimental conditions) is a solution to some issues of significance and internal validity. However, this solution hides several difficulties, including a reduction of external validity and reproducibility. After explaining the meaning of these two notions in the context of experimental evolution, we import from the fields of animal research and ecology and suggests that systematic heterogenization of experimental factors could prove a promising alternative. We also incorporate into our analysis some philosophical reflections on the nature and diversity of research objectives in experimental evolution.