13 Overly Honest Methods Researchers Admit They Use
When you think of scientists, isn’t the first image that comes to mind Dr. Victor Frankenstein slaving over his creation 24/7/12/365? Not so fast. Some scientists have opened up about their less-than-rigorous research methodology on Twitter’s #overlyhonestmethods.
By Andy Simmons
Next Time I’ll Use Dandelions
“The sample was biased because the plants were growing in a thorn bush, and I didn’t want to stick my hand in too far.” #overlyhonestmethods
Now, What Was It I Had to Do …
“Incubation lasted three days because that’s how long the undergrad forgot the experiment in the fridge.” #overlyhonestmethods
We’re Scientists, Not Heroes
“Blood samples were spun at 1,500 rpm because the centrifuge made a scary noise at higher speeds.” #overlyhonestmethods
This Won’t Hurt a Bit, Chester …
“We tested the theory on undergraduates because they are cheap and available.” #overlyhonestmethods
And We Kept the Towels, Too
“Case study location was determined by the availability of free lodging from researcher’s partner.” #overlyhonestmethods
Quick! The Big Bang Theory Series Finale Is on in 10 Minutes!
“Cells were harvested at this low OD because I had someplace I needed to go.” #overlyhonestmethods
Next Time I'll Order the Lobster
“I let it react for 20 minutes because that's how long it took me to eat lunch.” #overlyhonestmethods
The Problem With Having Short Arms
“This dye was selected because the bottle was within reach.” #overlyhonestmethods
Uh … Gotta Go!
“The experiment was carried out from 9 am to 5 pm because the lab is deserted and creepy after hours.” #overlyhonestmethods
But I’m Sure This Is What They Would Have Said
“We didn't read half the papers we cite because they are behind a paywall.” #overlyhonestmethods
Sciency Stuff Happens in Barbados, Too
“Our sampling locations happen to match tropical resort towns because field work doesn’t have to be mud and agony.” #overlyhonestmethods
Who Knew Ice Melted at 100 Degrees?
“The temperature controller on the spectrometer wouldn't go any lower in July, so this is the temperature we used.” #overlyhonestmethods
How Inconvenient
“The data is old because in between writing the first draft and doing the revisions I had a baby.” #overlyhonestmethods
