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Article 1: Foster, J. G., Rzhetsky, A., & Evans, J. A. (2015). Tradition and innovation in scientists’ research strategies. American Sociological Review, 80(5), 875-908.

Summary: The authors discuss the factors that affect whether a scientist chooses to engage in innovative research compared to traditional areas of knowledge. In particular, they examine the trade-offs between innovative research that may be more highly cited but carries the risk of going unpublished versus traditional research that is not as highly cited but is more certain of publication.

Learning Objective: Tradition and Innovation

Questions to Consider

1. What do the authors identify as the “essential tension” in research? How can this tension apply to psychology?
2. What factors may influence a researcher to choose a more traditional research strategy? What factors may influence a researcher to choose a more innovative strategy?
3. What suggestions do the authors provide for encouraging innovation? Do you have additional ideas for encouraging innovation?
    

Article 2: Drummond, A. (1994). Writing a research article. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 57(8), 303-305.

Summary: The author discusses tips for writing a research article and what should be included in the major sections when writing or reading a research article.

Learning Objective: Reading an Article

Questions to Consider

1. What are the major sections of a research article? What purpose does each section serve?
2. What is the difference between a results and a discussion section?
    

Article 3: Makel, M. C., Plucker, J. A., & Hegarty, B. (2012). Replications in psychology research: How often do they really occur? Perspectives on Psychological Science, 7, 537-542.

Summary: The authors report a review of the percentage of psychological articles that have been replicated. They find that a relatively low percent of studies published in top journals are replications of previous studies that have been conducted.

Learning Objective: Journal Publication Practices, File Drawer Effect

Questions to Consider

1. What percent of articles are replications of previous research? Is this surprising given the trait of replicability in science?
2. Is it concerning that successful replications are more likely to occur when it is the authors of the original study? Why or why not?
3. What factors may prevent a researcher from conducting a replication study?