Sometimes we obtain a negative response, a negative result. Should we publish it? Are the journals ready to accept this kind of result?
Hi,
Usually journals are not inclined to accept negative results, although negative results could be significant in certain situations. As it is now, negative results are , unjustifiably , perceived as some testing failure.
Well, I'm all for wrongness making a vital contribution to rightness! It depends on how unexpected the results are, how important the matter is. Others might spot a flaw in your method which explains the results. That educates you. And it adds in some way to the evidence base.
Wrongness is a wonderful thing!
Christopher NOCK
Negative results are vital part of resarch. Be ready for negative results while doing resarch experiment. But the most important thing is how you justify those resilts. Relate them to reasoning with the condition that your methodology has no or least number of flaws.
Much easier to add to the "negative evidence base" than to make a genuine contribution to the "positive evidence base".
Dear All,
Thank you for your replies and considerations. Certainly, depending of the situation and "what's the question the scientist wants to answer?", negative results can help to solve any complexe mechanism in biological systems.
Best Regards,
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