Replication is a crucial step in scientific research which is commonly a repetition of the same experiment to determine whether the results are consistent. The regularity in the results in turn determines if the efficiency and reliability of the test under question (Resnick, 2018 par.1). Some experiments in the medical field require several repetitions to have a quality final test. Conclusions can therefore be drawn after the repeated tests are complete. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic opened new chapters of experimentations by the microbiologists to a certain if the virus could be contained through vaccinations.
After repetitions test were carried about COVID-19 inoculations in some of the multifaceted laboratories such as Moderna in the United States, it is yet to be approved as successful for human use. Both articles by Resnick (2018) and Camerer et al (2018) inform on the advantages and setbacks of replication as a scientific process of practical problem solutions. Resnick (2018), acknowledges how important the process is to the sociologists, who were initially concerned about the replicates of their findings. Otherwise, Resnick reaffirms that the replication in the social science experience was the best since it gives a nugget truth about a series of interrelated experiments. Camerer et al (2018) identified that several replications in the field of social science were carried out between 2010 and 2015. The replications were also attached to finding the truth about certain aspects of scientific tests.
Journals such as the ‘Social Sciences Replication Project’ and ‘Nature’ provide an insight into the pivotal role played by replications in research. A small section of the data is normally taken to be replicated which may not give a true reflection of the remaining samples. The “Google Effects on Memory” is an outstanding example where inconsistency was encountered in the human memory processes. The book revealed several discrepancies and inconsistencies from human beings. Most people depend on Google to find answers, which has led to poor replication in some people’s memory (Resnick, 2018 par 9). Consequently, this process is bound to take much time and resources, since some experiments take a long time to give the final results.
The waiting period may occasionally take up to 6 months or more as witnessed in the of COVID-19 cases. The experiments with hints of possible safe vaccines have not yet been approved by the international drug regulating authorities (Resnick, 2018 par 8). Time for testing safety is cited as the main cause of the delays. The vaccine cannot be administered to the human before replication of the vaccine development processes is completed.
Moreover, certain of the replicated processes involve severe health risks, since some of the practicals are carried on contagious diseases. Apart from the encounters, replication is equally applied everywhere in a learning process. Mathematics employs replication and repetitions to inculcate a concept among the learners. Despite the challenges in the replication processes, it remains an outstanding process that has yet to receive its equal in the field of research.
Conclusively, replication is a therefore a scientific process that is gaining popularity among researchers. Additionally, it is not only a testing process rather, s as an assessment factor in which the authenticity of the results is anchored. The paper focuses on the advantages that surpass the disadvantages as witnessed in the discussion. It creates a room to re-investigate processes that are still under doubt. It is a progression that is universally accepted by research institutions especially in the engineering, and general technology arena.
References
Camerer, C. F., Dreber, A., Holzmeister, F., Ho, T. H., Huber, J., Johannesson, M., & Altmejd, A. (2018). Evaluating the replicability of social science experiments in Nature and Science between 2010 and 2015. Nature Human Behaviour, 2(9), 637-644. Web.
Resnick, B. (2018). More social science studies just failed to replicate. Here’s why this is good. Vox.com. Web.