The 'Incentives' Excuse: Why Blaming the System for Bad Science Won't Cut It
2025-04-28
This article critiques the common practice in science of blaming 'incentives' for unethical behavior. The author argues that scientists often use 'incentives' as an excuse to avoid responsibility for actions like p-hacking and selective reporting. Nine arguments are presented against this justification, highlighting how it excuses any behavior, ignores moral and long-term responsibilities, and ultimately fails to change the system, potentially worsening the problem. The article concludes with a call for scientists to take responsibility, adopting a long-term perspective rather than sacrificing scientific integrity for personal gain.