"Non-Markovian" and "directional" errors inhibit scientific self-correction and can lead fields of study astray: an illustration using gardening and obesity-related outcomes

BMC Med Res Methodol. 2025 May 24;25(1):137. doi: 10.1186/s12874-025-02590-6.

Abstract

Herein we coin the terms non-Markovian error and biased Markovian error to describe categories of scientific errors for which general progress within a field of study may be unlikely to result in scientific self-correction. We provide examples of such errors and show their impact on studies about gardening and obesity.

Keywords: Non-Markovian errors; Reproducibility; Rigor; Scientific errors; Scientific self-correction; Transparency.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Bias
  • Gardening* / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Obesity*
  • Research Design*