Story perspectives

Study Reveals 49% of Social Science Research Unreplicable

4/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Systematizing Confidence in Open Research and Evidence (Score) project reports that nearly half of social science research cannot be replicated.
The Score project analyzed 3,900 papers and found that 49% failed replication.
Advocates say greater transparency and a shift in research culture are needed to boost confidence in findings.
Some researchers believe the field will self-correct.
Significant changes in funding and incentives are required to address these challenges.

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Story summary

The Systematizing Confidence in Open Research and Evidence (Score) project reports that nearly half of social science research cannot be replicated.
The Score project analyzed 3,900 papers and found that 49% failed replication.
Advocates say greater transparency and a shift in research culture are needed to boost confidence in findings.
Some researchers believe the field will self-correct.
Significant changes in funding and incentives are required to address these challenges.