Ian Hussey
@ianhussey.mmmdata.io
Meta-scientist and psychologist. Senior lecturer @unibe.ch. Chief recommender @error.reviews. "Jumped up punk who hasn't earned his stripes." All views a product of my learning history.
Pinned
Ian Hussey
@ianhussey.mmmdata.io
· Jul 22
Lego Science is research driven by modular convenience.
When researchers combine methods or concepts, more out of convenience than any deep curiosity in the resulting research question, to create publishable units.
"What role does {my favourite construct} play in {task}?"
When researchers combine methods or concepts, more out of convenience than any deep curiosity in the resulting research question, to create publishable units.
"What role does {my favourite construct} play in {task}?"
Reposted by Ian Hussey
Never understand the idea that failing to pre-register an RCT before 2010 (say) does not constitute risk of bias. RoB is not about figuring out whether researchers did their best according to the standards of the time. Meta-research suggests that estimates did tend to reduce after intro of reg.
November 19, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Never understand the idea that failing to pre-register an RCT before 2010 (say) does not constitute risk of bias. RoB is not about figuring out whether researchers did their best according to the standards of the time. Meta-research suggests that estimates did tend to reduce after intro of reg.
Reposted by Ian Hussey
The default prior for the intercept in both {rstanarm} and {brms} are very wide.
Counterintuitively - being on the logit scale, this is actually translates to a **strong** prior that p(y=1) is near 1 or near 0.
Always check your priors!
#rstats
Counterintuitively - being on the logit scale, this is actually translates to a **strong** prior that p(y=1) is near 1 or near 0.
Always check your priors!
#rstats
November 18, 2025 at 2:01 PM
The default prior for the intercept in both {rstanarm} and {brms} are very wide.
Counterintuitively - being on the logit scale, this is actually translates to a **strong** prior that p(y=1) is near 1 or near 0.
Always check your priors!
#rstats
Counterintuitively - being on the logit scale, this is actually translates to a **strong** prior that p(y=1) is near 1 or near 0.
Always check your priors!
#rstats
Reposted by Ian Hussey
"There are stupid fabricators and there are more competent ones.
Potentially, LLMs lower the bar and allow the stupid ones to do a better job"
~a chilling problem highlighted by Jack Wilkinson at the International Research Integrity Conference
Potentially, LLMs lower the bar and allow the stupid ones to do a better job"
~a chilling problem highlighted by Jack Wilkinson at the International Research Integrity Conference
November 17, 2025 at 11:38 PM
"There are stupid fabricators and there are more competent ones.
Potentially, LLMs lower the bar and allow the stupid ones to do a better job"
~a chilling problem highlighted by Jack Wilkinson at the International Research Integrity Conference
Potentially, LLMs lower the bar and allow the stupid ones to do a better job"
~a chilling problem highlighted by Jack Wilkinson at the International Research Integrity Conference
Reposted by Ian Hussey
An international computing society has begun retracting conference papers for “citation falsification” only months after the sleuth who flagged the suspect articles was convicted for defamation in a lawsuit filed by one of the offending authors.
Computing society pulls works for ‘citation falsification’ months after sleuth is convicted of defamation
Solal Pirelli An international computing society has begun retracting conference papers for “citation falsification” only months after the sleuth who flagged the suspect articles was convicted for …
retractionwatch.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:32 PM
An international computing society has begun retracting conference papers for “citation falsification” only months after the sleuth who flagged the suspect articles was convicted for defamation in a lawsuit filed by one of the offending authors.
Reposted by Ian Hussey
Some researchers don't discuss their future research plans for fear of being scooped.
Not me. I drop bad ideas for unscrupulous people to 'steal'.
- What are the neural correlates of Open Science practices?
- What is the role of habits in learning a new skill through repetitive practice?
Not me. I drop bad ideas for unscrupulous people to 'steal'.
- What are the neural correlates of Open Science practices?
- What is the role of habits in learning a new skill through repetitive practice?
a man in a leather jacket is looking up and saying `` big brain '' while standing in front of a building .
ALT: a man in a leather jacket is looking up and saying `` big brain '' while standing in front of a building .
media.tenor.com
September 23, 2025 at 11:48 PM
Some researchers don't discuss their future research plans for fear of being scooped.
Not me. I drop bad ideas for unscrupulous people to 'steal'.
- What are the neural correlates of Open Science practices?
- What is the role of habits in learning a new skill through repetitive practice?
Not me. I drop bad ideas for unscrupulous people to 'steal'.
- What are the neural correlates of Open Science practices?
- What is the role of habits in learning a new skill through repetitive practice?
Re bad idea 1:
Unsurprisingly, a new independent double blind RCT replication shows that approach avoidance training does not reduce problematic drinking behaviour.
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Unsurprisingly, a new independent double blind RCT replication shows that approach avoidance training does not reduce problematic drinking behaviour.
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
November 17, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Re bad idea 1:
Unsurprisingly, a new independent double blind RCT replication shows that approach avoidance training does not reduce problematic drinking behaviour.
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Unsurprisingly, a new independent double blind RCT replication shows that approach avoidance training does not reduce problematic drinking behaviour.
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Reposted by Ian Hussey
This slide unfortunately generalizes well 🥲
November 11, 2025 at 9:25 AM
This slide unfortunately generalizes well 🥲
Reposted by Ian Hussey
"Schrödinger's causal inference" (n):
The practice of making causal claims or interpretations within a scientific article - typically in the title, abstract, implications, or conclusion - while simultaneously warning that the study design is unsuitable for causal inference.
The practice of making causal claims or interpretations within a scientific article - typically in the title, abstract, implications, or conclusion - while simultaneously warning that the study design is unsuitable for causal inference.
November 11, 2025 at 11:36 AM
"Schrödinger's causal inference" (n):
The practice of making causal claims or interpretations within a scientific article - typically in the title, abstract, implications, or conclusion - while simultaneously warning that the study design is unsuitable for causal inference.
The practice of making causal claims or interpretations within a scientific article - typically in the title, abstract, implications, or conclusion - while simultaneously warning that the study design is unsuitable for causal inference.
Reposted by Ian Hussey
A paper critiquing post-publication peer review has numerous made-up references, including a @nature.com article falsely attributed to our Ivan Oransky.
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
PubPeer - An expert criticism on post-publication peer review platform...
There are comments on PubPeer for publication: An expert criticism on post-publication peer review platforms: the case of pubpeer (2025)
pubpeer.com
November 16, 2025 at 9:11 AM
A paper critiquing post-publication peer review has numerous made-up references, including a @nature.com article falsely attributed to our Ivan Oransky.
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Reposted by Ian Hussey
5️⃣/🔟 In Scientific Reports, 5 of the top 10 most cited articles have an article number of 1.
5️⃣/🔟 In Nature Communications the same: 5 of the top 10 are article 1s.
Coincidence? 👇
scirate.com/arxiv/2511.0...
I think not.
5️⃣/🔟 In Nature Communications the same: 5 of the top 10 are article 1s.
Coincidence? 👇
scirate.com/arxiv/2511.0...
I think not.
November 4, 2025 at 3:59 PM
5️⃣/🔟 In Scientific Reports, 5 of the top 10 most cited articles have an article number of 1.
5️⃣/🔟 In Nature Communications the same: 5 of the top 10 are article 1s.
Coincidence? 👇
scirate.com/arxiv/2511.0...
I think not.
5️⃣/🔟 In Nature Communications the same: 5 of the top 10 are article 1s.
Coincidence? 👇
scirate.com/arxiv/2511.0...
I think not.
I think this is an overly pessimistic take from the @bmj.com.
Sharing data does not inherently increase trust, rather it enables verification which allows for trust calibration.
This example is a win. Serious issues were rapidly detected that would not have been without mandatory data sharing.
Sharing data does not inherently increase trust, rather it enables verification which allows for trust calibration.
This example is a win. Serious issues were rapidly detected that would not have been without mandatory data sharing.
November 14, 2025 at 8:18 PM
I think this is an overly pessimistic take from the @bmj.com.
Sharing data does not inherently increase trust, rather it enables verification which allows for trust calibration.
This example is a win. Serious issues were rapidly detected that would not have been without mandatory data sharing.
Sharing data does not inherently increase trust, rather it enables verification which allows for trust calibration.
This example is a win. Serious issues were rapidly detected that would not have been without mandatory data sharing.
Reposted by Ian Hussey
Pretty cool is an understatement.
There is 1.5 million hours of video game play recorded, via telemetry data! This is a very cool study🎮
There is 1.5 million hours of video game play recorded, via telemetry data! This is a very cool study🎮
We released a pretty cool dataset/preprint today looking at video game play, cognition, time-use and a ton of self-reported psych measures at osf.io/preprints/ps... with @nballou.bsky.social @matti.vuorre.com @thomashakman.bsky.social @rpsychologist.com and @shuhbillskee.bsky.social RRs coming soon
November 14, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Pretty cool is an understatement.
There is 1.5 million hours of video game play recorded, via telemetry data! This is a very cool study🎮
There is 1.5 million hours of video game play recorded, via telemetry data! This is a very cool study🎮
Reposted by Ian Hussey
Synchronous Robustness Reports could explore implications of different analytical choices – but they could still suffer from bias. Hardwicke argues that preregistration is crucial to prevent it.
@tomhardwicke.bsky.social
@tomhardwicke.bsky.social
Risk of bias in robustness reports: https://osf.io/wj26e
November 14, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Synchronous Robustness Reports could explore implications of different analytical choices – but they could still suffer from bias. Hardwicke argues that preregistration is crucial to prevent it.
@tomhardwicke.bsky.social
@tomhardwicke.bsky.social
Reposted by Ian Hussey
Are methodological and causal inference errors creating a false impression that the gut microbiome causes autism? In this strong analysis, Mitchell, Dahly, and Bishop question the evidence.
They show that triangulation in science requires multiple robust lines of research.
They show that triangulation in science requires multiple robust lines of research.
The link between the gut #microbiome and autism is not backed by science, researchers say.
Read the full opinion piece in @cp-neuron.bsky.social: spkl.io/63322AbxpA
@wiringthebrain.bsky.social, @statsepi.bsky.social, & @deevybee.bsky.social
Read the full opinion piece in @cp-neuron.bsky.social: spkl.io/63322AbxpA
@wiringthebrain.bsky.social, @statsepi.bsky.social, & @deevybee.bsky.social
November 14, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Are methodological and causal inference errors creating a false impression that the gut microbiome causes autism? In this strong analysis, Mitchell, Dahly, and Bishop question the evidence.
They show that triangulation in science requires multiple robust lines of research.
They show that triangulation in science requires multiple robust lines of research.
Reposted by Ian Hussey
The link between the gut #microbiome and autism is not backed by science, researchers say.
Read the full opinion piece in @cp-neuron.bsky.social: spkl.io/63322AbxpA
@wiringthebrain.bsky.social, @statsepi.bsky.social, & @deevybee.bsky.social
Read the full opinion piece in @cp-neuron.bsky.social: spkl.io/63322AbxpA
@wiringthebrain.bsky.social, @statsepi.bsky.social, & @deevybee.bsky.social
November 13, 2025 at 4:00 PM
The link between the gut #microbiome and autism is not backed by science, researchers say.
Read the full opinion piece in @cp-neuron.bsky.social: spkl.io/63322AbxpA
@wiringthebrain.bsky.social, @statsepi.bsky.social, & @deevybee.bsky.social
Read the full opinion piece in @cp-neuron.bsky.social: spkl.io/63322AbxpA
@wiringthebrain.bsky.social, @statsepi.bsky.social, & @deevybee.bsky.social
Reposted by Ian Hussey
@bmj.com has issued an expression of concern for a paper claiming stem cell therapy can reduce the risk of heart failure. The move comes after sleuths and scientists critiqued the “complete mismatch” between the study data and the article itself.
BMJ places expression of concern on heavily criticized stem cell paper
The BMJ has issued an expression of concern for a paper claiming stem cell therapy can reduce the risk of heart failure. The move comes after sleuths and scientists critiqued the “complete mismatch…
retractionwatch.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:33 PM
@bmj.com has issued an expression of concern for a paper claiming stem cell therapy can reduce the risk of heart failure. The move comes after sleuths and scientists critiqued the “complete mismatch” between the study data and the article itself.
Reposted by Ian Hussey
Three German universities offering post-docs for researchers "who cannot conduct or continue their work in the USA appropriately because of actual political pressure. "
www.uni-konstanz.de/zukunftskoll...
www.uni-konstanz.de/zukunftskoll...
Early Career Rescue Fellowship
www.uni-konstanz.de
November 11, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Three German universities offering post-docs for researchers "who cannot conduct or continue their work in the USA appropriately because of actual political pressure. "
www.uni-konstanz.de/zukunftskoll...
www.uni-konstanz.de/zukunftskoll...
Reposted by Ian Hussey
We wrote the Strain on scientific publishing to highlight the problems of time & trust. With a fantastic group of co-authors, we present The Drain of Scientific Publishing:
a 🧵 1/n
Drain: arxiv.org/abs/2511.04820
Strain: direct.mit.edu/qss/article/...
Oligopoly: direct.mit.edu/qss/article/...
a 🧵 1/n
Drain: arxiv.org/abs/2511.04820
Strain: direct.mit.edu/qss/article/...
Oligopoly: direct.mit.edu/qss/article/...
November 11, 2025 at 11:52 AM
We wrote the Strain on scientific publishing to highlight the problems of time & trust. With a fantastic group of co-authors, we present The Drain of Scientific Publishing:
a 🧵 1/n
Drain: arxiv.org/abs/2511.04820
Strain: direct.mit.edu/qss/article/...
Oligopoly: direct.mit.edu/qss/article/...
a 🧵 1/n
Drain: arxiv.org/abs/2511.04820
Strain: direct.mit.edu/qss/article/...
Oligopoly: direct.mit.edu/qss/article/...
Reposted by Ian Hussey
I appreciate @bmj.com follows a formal process, but just how much evidence do they need before adding an Expression of Concern.
Numerous PubPeer comments for stem cell for heart disease paper - which had huge media attention hailing it as a medical breakthrough.
pubpeer.com/publications...
Numerous PubPeer comments for stem cell for heart disease paper - which had huge media attention hailing it as a medical breakthrough.
pubpeer.com/publications...
PubPeer - Prevention of acute myocardial infarction induced heart fail...
There are comments on PubPeer for publication: Prevention of acute myocardial infarction induced heart failure by intracoronary infusion of mesenchymal stem cells: phase 3 randomised clinical trial (P...
pubpeer.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:42 AM
I appreciate @bmj.com follows a formal process, but just how much evidence do they need before adding an Expression of Concern.
Numerous PubPeer comments for stem cell for heart disease paper - which had huge media attention hailing it as a medical breakthrough.
pubpeer.com/publications...
Numerous PubPeer comments for stem cell for heart disease paper - which had huge media attention hailing it as a medical breakthrough.
pubpeer.com/publications...
Reposted by Ian Hussey
Feed: "Retraction Watch"
By: Avery Orrall on Friday, November 7, 2025
By: Avery Orrall on Friday, November 7, 2025
Journal retracts ‘bizarre’ placebo effect paper
An Elsevier journal has retracted a study on the placebo effect coauthored by a researcher known for extreme claims that have failed to withstand scrutiny. The move comes after critics said the res…
retractionwatch.com
November 8, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Feed: "Retraction Watch"
By: Avery Orrall on Friday, November 7, 2025
By: Avery Orrall on Friday, November 7, 2025
Reposted by Ian Hussey
Call me old-fashioned, but I think if you have to correct one of the key results cited in your *abstract*, then the correction actually does affect the overall conclusions of your study!
November 6, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Call me old-fashioned, but I think if you have to correct one of the key results cited in your *abstract*, then the correction actually does affect the overall conclusions of your study!
Reposted by Ian Hussey
Have increased capacity for this December INSPECT-SR online training workshop following a successful 1st event today. Book here: www.trybooking.com/uk/FKHV
Introduction to INSPECT-SR Training Workshop December
An introductory 2-hour online workshop will introduce participants to the INSPECT-SR tool for assessing trustworthiness of randomised controlled...
www.trybooking.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Have increased capacity for this December INSPECT-SR online training workshop following a successful 1st event today. Book here: www.trybooking.com/uk/FKHV
Reposted by Ian Hussey
How can institutions and journals better align in addressing research misconduct?
Join us for a discussion on preventing and managing misconduct investigations.
#PublicationIntegrityWeek
Register 👉 https://ow.ly/pPX550XfueV
#ResearchIntegrity #AcademicEthics
Join us for a discussion on preventing and managing misconduct investigations.
#PublicationIntegrityWeek
Register 👉 https://ow.ly/pPX550XfueV
#ResearchIntegrity #AcademicEthics
November 6, 2025 at 8:05 AM
How can institutions and journals better align in addressing research misconduct?
Join us for a discussion on preventing and managing misconduct investigations.
#PublicationIntegrityWeek
Register 👉 https://ow.ly/pPX550XfueV
#ResearchIntegrity #AcademicEthics
Join us for a discussion on preventing and managing misconduct investigations.
#PublicationIntegrityWeek
Register 👉 https://ow.ly/pPX550XfueV
#ResearchIntegrity #AcademicEthics
Reposted by Ian Hussey
and other lies I tell myself
November 6, 2025 at 11:12 AM
and other lies I tell myself
I successfully defended my Habilitation today, and was honoured by the committee’s positive feedback. I am very grateful for my colleagues, collaborators and students at the University of Bern who made this a very rewarding journey.
November 3, 2025 at 9:54 PM
I successfully defended my Habilitation today, and was honoured by the committee’s positive feedback. I am very grateful for my colleagues, collaborators and students at the University of Bern who made this a very rewarding journey.