Replication uncertainty

In this chapter, I apply and discuss uncertainty in replication research. I argue that replication studies are most effective when used to reduce uncertainty in valuable and important results. When deciding what to replicate in linguistics, priority should be given to results that valuable and important but underpinned by methodological and/or statistical uncertainties. In addition, I discuss how reporting limitations in academic publishing introduce uncertainty into the conduct of replications, including missing, scant, or intentionally withheld information about a study’s research design and methods. I also discuss the need to move beyond dichotomous thinking in the interpretation of replication study results (i.e., failures to replicate). Recommendations for improving the reporting and conduct of linguistics research are discussed.