What should authors do when they realize their published idea is flawed?

  • Thread starter Count Iblis
  • Start date
In summary, "An unlikely result" refers to a surprising or unexpected outcome in scientific research. This can be caused by errors in experimental design, unaccounted variables, or chance fluctuations in the data. An unlikely result can have a significant impact on scientific research by challenging existing theories and prompting researchers to re-evaluate their methods. To validate an unlikely result, researchers can repeat the experiment, use different approaches, and seek peer review and replication. An unlikely result should not automatically be considered a mistake, but if a mistake is discovered, it should be acknowledged and corrected to maintain the integrity of the research.
  • #1
Count Iblis
1,863
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http://arxiv.org/abs/math/0511544v3"
 
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Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
...with an error in its proof.
 
  • #3
neutrino said:
...with an error in its proof.
:biggrin:
 
  • #4
Count Iblis said:
http://arxiv.org/abs/math/0511544v3"

What was this even about?
 
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  • #5
http://arxiv.org/abs/math/0511544v2"
 
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  • #6
actually, i admire the author for being so forthright. mathematics is an exacting discipline, but in the less exacting disciplines (like science and engineering), you might think that this should happen more often.

some author publishes an idea that he/she later comes to the conclusion is crap. what's an author to do? follow the example of the Bogdanov brothers?
 

What is meant by "An unlikely result"?

"An unlikely result" refers to an outcome or finding that is unexpected or surprising based on previous knowledge or predictions.

What are some possible reasons for an unlikely result?

An unlikely result could occur due to errors in the experimental design or data collection, unaccounted variables, or chance fluctuations in the data.

How can an unlikely result impact scientific research?

An unlikely result can challenge existing theories and hypotheses, leading to new discoveries and advancements in the field. It can also prompt researchers to re-evaluate their methods and approaches.

What steps can be taken to validate an unlikely result?

To validate an unlikely result, researchers can repeat the experiment multiple times, use different methods or approaches, and seek peer review and replication by other scientists in the field.

Can an unlikely result ever be considered a mistake?

An unlikely result should not automatically be considered a mistake. It is important to carefully analyze and interpret the data before drawing conclusions. However, if a mistake is discovered, it is crucial to acknowledge and correct it in order to maintain the integrity of the research.

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