Publishing and evidence
Replication
Repeating a finding in an independent study or dataset.
What it means
Definition
Replication. Replication increases confidence that a finding is not a one-off result, analysis artefact or chance observation. Early findings are often less secure until replicated.
What it can tell you
It can help clarify what sort of evidence or claim is being discussed.
What it cannot tell you
It cannot, by itself, prove that the headline is accurate or clinically important.
Headline trap
Why this matters in headlines
A single surprising study should usually be framed more cautiously than a replicated body of evidence.