The Advantage of Big Team Science: Lessons Learned from Cognitive Science

The replication crisis in psychology and related sciences contributed to the adoption of large-scale research initiatives known as Big Team Science (BTS). BTS has made significant advances in addressing issues of replication, statistical power, and diversity through the use of larger samples and more representative cross-cultural data. However, while these collaborations hold great potential, they also introduce unique challenges related to their scale. Drawing on experiences from successful BTS projects, we identified and outlined key strategies for overcoming diversity, volunteering, and capacity challenges. We emphasize the need for the implementation of strong organizational practices and the distribution of responsibility to prevent common pitfalls. More fundamentally, BTS requires a shift in mindset toward prioritizing collaborative effort, diversity, transparency, and inclusivity. Ultimately, we call for reflection on the strengths and limitations of BTS to enhance the quality, generalizability, and impact of research across disciplines.