Metascience

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Metascience, also known as science of science, is the systematic study of science itself. It analyzes the practices, structures, and outcomes of scientific research, including research design, peer review, publication bias, replication, and incentive structures, with the aim of improving the reliability, transparency, and impact of scientific knowledge production. Emerging at the intersection of the philosophy of science, the sociology of science, scientometrics, and research methodology, it draws on empirical and quantitative approaches to evaluate how science is conducted, communicated, and assessed. The field has gained prominence in the context of the replication crisis and broader debates around open science, research integrity, and evidence-based policy. Its scope encompasses all fields of research and has been described as offering "a bird's eye view of science". In the words of John Ioannidis, "Science is the best thing that has happened to human beings ... but we can do it better." In 1966, an early meta-research paper examined the statistical methods of 295 papers published in ten high-profile medical journals. It found that "in almost 73% of the reports read ... conclusions were drawn when the justification for these conclusions was invalid." Meta-research in the following decades found many methodological flaws, inefficiencies, and poor practices in research across numerous scientific fields. Many scientific studies could not be reproduced, particularly in medicine and the social sciences. The term "replication crisis" was coined in the early 2010s as part of a growing awareness of the problem. Measures have been implemented to address the issues revealed by metascience. These measures include the pre-registration of scientific studies and clinical trials, as well as the founding of organizations such as CONSORT and the EQUATOR Network that issue guidelines for methodology and reporting. There are ongoing efforts aimed at addressing misuse of statistics, eliminating perverse incentives within academic institutions,...