Nullius in Verba

Episode 79: Dissensio - II

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we continue our discussion of disagreement in science, shifting the conversation from why it matters to how to do it well.   Shownot...

Episode 78: Dissensio

04 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This is a two-part episode on the role of disagreement in science. In the first part, we discuss the "why," before moving on to the "how" in the next ...

Episode 77: Miscitatio

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the problem of miscitation. How often are citations to the scientific literature outright misleading? Do we really need to...

Episode 76: Incitamenta - II

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this two-part episode, we discuss incentives in science and academia. We discuss the various incentives in science, including recognition, citation...

Episode 75: Incitamenta - I

15 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this two-part episode, we discuss incentives in science and academia. We discuss the various incentives in science, including recognition, citation...

Episode 74: Notiones Vague

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the problems associated with vague concepts in psychological science. We talk about the jingle-jangle fallacy, the trade-o...

Episode 73: Scientismus - II

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we continue our discussion of scientism. We talk about 6 problems with scientism that have been raised by Susan Haack, if we should f...

Episode 72: Scientismus - I

02 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this two-part episode, we delve into the topic of scientism. Is science the best way to generate knowledge? Or are we giving too much deference to ...

Episode 71: Commentarius Scientificus: Fraus?

29 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss "Is the scientific paper a fraud?" by Sir Peter Medawar.  Shownotes Medawar, P. (1999). Is the scientific paper a fraud?...

Prologus 71: Is the Scientific Paper A Fraud (P. Medawar)

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Medawar, P. (1999). Is the scientific paper a fraud? Communicating Science: Professional Contexts, 27–31.

Episode 70: Scientia Tacita

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we try to make the concept of tacit knowledge explicit. How much of our scientific knowledge depends on knowledge that we can't commu...

Episode 69: Fraus P-Valoris - II

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we continue the discussion on p-hacking. Were the accusations of p-hacking valid? And how can one avoid said accusations? What are th...

Episode 68: Fraus P-Valoris - I

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this two-part episode, we delve into the phenomenon of p-hacking. What are the various terms used to describe practices that inflate error rates? H...

Episode 67: Investigatio Inhonesta

28 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss unethical research. What are some examples of egregious violations of ethical guidelines? What are some more subtle ways i...

Episode 66: Psychologia Controversiae

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Boring, E. G. (1929). The psychology of controversy. Psychological Review, 36(2), 97–121. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0072273

Prologus 66: The Psychology of Controversy (E. G. Boring)

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Boring, E. G. (1929). The psychology of controversy. Psychological Review, 36(2), 97–121. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0072273

Episode 65: Scientia de Scientia - II

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the second episode on metascience, we discuss the benefits of metascientific study according to Mario Bunge, some key milestones in sociology, psyc...

Episode 64: Scientia de Scientia - I

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the first part of this two-part episode, we explore the foundations of metascience—what it is, how it relates to and differs from the history and...

Prologus 64: Why Metascience? (M. Bunge)

08 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bunge, M. (1959). Why metascience? Metascientific Queries (pp. 3-27). Charles C Thomas. 

Episode 63: Experimenta Praematura

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss whether psychology is engaging in premature experimentation. Are experiments overused, and should we make greater use of ot...

Episode 62: Experimenta Exploratoria

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss exploratory experimentation, an iterative process used by scientists to better understand phenomena. We ask why exploratory...

Episode 61: Septem Vacae Sacrae III

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is the final installment of the three-part series on Paul Meehl's unpublished book, The Seven Sacred Cows of Academia.

Episode 60: Septem Vacae Sacrae II

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is the second part of a three-episode series on Paul Meehl's unpublished book, The Seven Sacred Cows of Academia.

Episode 59: Septem Vacae Sacrae I

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is the first part of a three-episode series on Paul Meehl's unpublished book, The Seven Sacred Cows of Academia. 

Episode 58: Communicatio Scientiae

10 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss science communication. What is the purpose of science communication? Who does or should engage in it? Are there negative c...

Episode 57: Censura

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Censorship in the Sciences: Interdisciplinary Perspectives Conference: https://dornsife.usc.edu/cesr/censorship-in-the-sciences-interdisciplinary-pers...

Episode 56: Cur Plerumque Investigatio Publica Falsa Est

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ioannidis, J. P. A. (2005). Why Most Published Research Findings Are False. PLoS Medicine, 2(8), e124. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0020124 Ne...

Prologus 56: Probability Pyramiding (A. Neher)

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In preparation for our discussion of "Why Most Published Research Findings Are False" by John Ioannidis from 2005, we read a very similar paper publis...

Episode 55: Pseudoscientia

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss what separates science from pseudoscience and touch upon the demarcation problem, the recent controversial podcast called ...

Episode 54: Fabulae Coniurationis

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Conspiracy Stories Show Notes:  Zeitgeist documentary: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeitgeist_(film_series) Podcast Drang naar Samenhang: https://p...

Episode 53: Fraus - II

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Broad, W. J., & Wade, N. (1983). Betrayers of the truth. New York : Simon and Schuster. http://archive.org/details/betrayersoftruth00broa Wolfga...

Episode 52: Fraus - I

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Babbage, C. (1830). Reflections on the Decline of Science in England: And on Some of Its Causes. B. Fellowes. Sokal, A. D. (1996). Transgressing the B...

Episode 51: Quinquagesimus - II

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special two-part celebration, we answer questions submitted by our listeners. Thanks to Don Moore, Leif Nelson, Henry Wyneken, Charlotte Penni...

Episode 50: Quinquagesimus - I

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special two-part celebration, we answer questions submitted by our listeners. Thanks to James Steele, Peder Isager, and Simen Leithe Tajet for...

Episode 49: Valor Scientiae Psychologicae

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You can listen to the podcast More of a Comment Than a Question here: https://moreofacomment.buzzsprout.com/ Our joint episode is a response to the ep...

Prologus 49: We Have to Break Up (R. B. Cialdini)

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In preparation for our next episode, a joint recording with our friends from More of a Comment than a Question, we read a paper by Robert Cialdini abo...

Episode 48: Defectum

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How I Fail. Blog by Veronika Cheplygina https://veronikach.com/category/how-i-fail/ Arkin, R. (2011). Most Underappreciated: 50 Prominent Social Psych...

Episode 47: Inductio et Deductio

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we delve into induction and deduction and talk further about issues related to generalizability.    Shownotes Popper, K. The Logic ...

Episode 46: Invaliditas Externa

01 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the paper "In defense of external invalidity" by Douglas Mook.    Shownotes Mook, D. G. (1983). In defense of external i...

Prologus 46: In Defense of External Invalidity (D. G. Mook)

25 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A reading of the paper In Defense of External Invalidty by Douglas G. Mook, which will be discussed in the next episode.  Mook, D. G. (1983). In defe...

Episode 45: Apprenticiatus

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the role of apprenticeship in training scientists and researchers. What’s the difference between traditional apprentices...

Episode 44: Reprehensio Scientiae Aperta

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This is a live episode, recorded in Växjö, Sweden (Linnaeus university) on September 24, 2024, at the 5th meeting of the Open Science Community Swed...

Episode 43: Historia Casus Methodi Scientifica

20 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the paper "A case history in scientific method" by B. F. Skinner   Shownotes Skinner, B. F. (1956). A case history in sci...

Prologus 43: A Case Study in Scientific Method (Skinner)

13 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In preparation for the next episode, in which we discuss this paper, here is a reading of:  Skinner, B. F. (1956). A case history in scientific meth...

Episode 42: Aestimatio Scriptorum

06 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, we discuss critically reading and appraising scientific articles. How do we select which articles to read carefully? Which heuri...

Episode 41: Sodalitates Academicae

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about academic societies, professional organizations, and academic advocacy groups, focusing primarily on the discipline of p...

Episode 40: Tabula de Ethicis Recensionibus

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss review boards for research with human subjects. Are they necessary? Are they efficient? Are scientists well equipped to ma...

Episode 39: Activismus

27 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss activism in science. How do political and personal values affect science? When is activism just part of the job? And shoul...

Episode 38 - Replicatio - II

12 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we continue our discussion of replications. We talk about how to analyze replication studies, which studies are worth replicating, an...

Episode 37: Replicatio - I

28 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the next two episodes, we will discuss replication studies, which are essential to building reliable scientific knowledge.   Shownotes Mack, R. W....

Prologus 37: Replication studies: A neglected aspect of psychological research (N. C. Smith)

21 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Smith, N. C. (1970). Replication studies: A neglected aspect of psychological research. American Psychologist, 25(10), 970–975. https://doi.org/10....

Episode 36: Leges Eponymae

14 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss a fun mix of eponymous laws, which are laws named after individuals who postulate them.    Shownotes Campbell, D. T. (19...

Episode 35: Praedictio Clinica Versus Statistica

31 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this final episode of the three-part series on the Philosophical Psychology lectures by Paul Meehl, we discuss lectures 6-8, which cover the ten ob...

Episode 34: Aestimatio et Emendatio Theoriarum

17 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we continue the discussion of Meehl's Philosophy of Psychology course, focusing on lectures 3, 4, and 5.    Shownotes The quote "Do...

Prologus 34: Using scientific methods to resolve questions in the history and philosophy of science (Faust & Meehl)

10 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Faust, D., & Meehl, P. E. (1992). Using scientific methods to resolve questions in the history and philosophy of science: Some illustrations. Beh...

Episode 33: Risicae Theoreticae et Asterisci Tabulares

03 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Video lectures: https://meehl.umn.edu/video  Faust, D., & Meehl, P. E. (1992). Using scientific methods to resolve questions in the history and p...

Prologus 33: Paul E. Meehl

26 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In advance of the next three episodes discussing the Philosophical Psychology lectures by Paul E. Meehl, we present a brief reading from his autobiogr...

Episode 32: Impartialitas

19 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss objectivity and disinterestedness in science. We talk about norms, values, interests, and objectivity in research practice...

Episode 31: Criticismus

05 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the role of criticism in science. When is criticism constructive as opposed to obsessive? What are the features of fair an...

Episode 30: Theoria Aedificans - Pars II

22 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we continue discussing Dubin’s 8-step method for theory building. We discuss the measurement of theoretical constructs, using logic...

Episode 29: Theoria Aedificans - Pars I

08 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discussed the 8-step method of theory building proposed by Robin Dubin in his classic 1969 book Theory Building.   Shownotes Dubi...

Episode 28: Scientia Cumulativa

23 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the barriers to cumulative science, including inconsistent measurement tools, overreliance on single studies, and the larg...

Prologus 28: Chaos in the Brickyard (B. K. Forscher)

16 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A reading of: Forscher, B. K. (1963). Chaos in the Brickyard. Science, 142(3590), 339–339. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.142.3590.339

Episode 27: Vocans Ictus Tuos - Pars II

09 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, we continue our conversation about preregistration. How flexible can we be when we preregister, without increasing flexibility i...

Episode 26: Vocans Ictus Tuos - Pars I

26 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this two part episode we discuss the fine art of preregistration. We go back into the history of preregistration, its evolution, and current use. D...

Episode 25: Reverentia Ad Auctoritatem

12 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the first episode of 2024, we discuss the double-edged sword: reverence to authority. Should scientists respect others on whose shoulders they stan...

Prologus 25: The Fixation of Belief (C. S. Peirce)

05 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Fixation of Belief. Charles S. Peirce. Popular Science Monthly 12 (November 1877), 1-15. http://peirce.org/writings/p107.html 

Episode 24: Contra Creativitatem Epistolae - Pars II

29 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this second installment of The Anticreativity Letters, we continue discussing the Tempter's tactics for stifling creativity and how to overcome the...

Episode 23: Contra Creativitatem Epistolae - Pars I

15 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the first of a two-part episode, we discuss The Anticreativity Letters by Richard Nisbett, in which a senior "tempter" advises a junior tempter on...

Prologus 23: The Anticreativity Letters (R. E. Nisbett)

08 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A reading of: Nisbett, R. E. (1990). The anticreativity letters: Advice from a senior tempter to a junior tempter. American Psychologist, 45(9), 1078–...

Episode 22: Magisterium

01 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, we discuss the role of mentorship in academia. What are the characteristics of a good mentor-mentee relationship? What are the q...

Episode 21: Verifica Sed Confide

17 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the role of trust in science. Why should we verify but trust other scientists? What are the prerequisites for building tru...

Prologus 21: Role of Trust in Knowledge (J. Hardwig)

10 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In advance of our episode Verify but Trust, a reading of John Hardwig's paper The Role of Trust in Science.  Hardwig, J. (1991). The role of trust in...

Episode 20: Recensio Aequalium

03 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, we discuss the peer review process---its history, its present, and its future. How does peer review work? How long has it existe...

Episode 19: Quantifauxcation

20 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss Quantifauxcation, described by statistician Philip Stark as “situations in which a number is, in effect, made up, and th...

Prologus 19: Problem-Centering vs. Mean-Centering in Science (A. H. Maslow)

13 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In preparation for a discussion on Quantifauxcation, a reading of 'Problem-Centering vs. Means-Centering in Science' by Abraham H. Maslow (1946).  Ma...

Episode 18: Vitia Vocationalis

06 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, we discuss intellectual vices. How can we tell the difference between justified confidence and unjustified arrogance? How do we ...

Episode 17: Snobismus

22 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss scientific snobbery and the ways in which it affects our interactions with and perceptions of other scientists. What are t...

Episode 16: Vetus Crisi Replicatio

08 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we continue our conversation on the replication crisis⏤Which methodological, theoretical, and practical concerns did psychologists ...

Prologus 16: Investigator Data Analysis Effect (T. X. Barber)

01 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Reading of the chapter "Investigator Data Analysis Effect" from the book: Barber, T. X. (1976). Pitfalls in Human Research: Ten Pivotal Points. Perga...

Episode 15: Novum Crisi Replicati

25 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the replication crisis in psychology which has been an important topic of discussion for the last decade. We revisit some ...

Episode 14: Capax Mentis

13 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we reflect on the role of intelligence in scientist. How much does intelligence matter in science, and which other characteristics mig...

Prologus 14: How can I tell if I am cut out to be a scientific research worker? (P. B. Medawar)

04 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As prologue to the next episode on how smart one needs to be to be a scientist, we present a reading of chapter 2 "How can I tell if I am cut out to b...

Episode 13: Chmess

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss Daniel Dennett's distinction between chess, or research worth doing, and 'chmess,'  research not worth doing. We discuss w...

Prologus 13: Chmess (D. C. Dennett)

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As prologue to the next episode on Chmess, we present a reading of a paper by Daniel C. Dennett:  Dennett, D. C. (2006). Higher-order truths about c...

Episode 12: Virtutes Vocationalis

14 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, we discuss vocational virtues⸺scientific principles that should guide the behavior of scientists. We discuss whether we agree wi...

Prologus 12: Science, Scholarship, and Intellectual Virtues (B.J. Schwartz)

07 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As prologue to the next episode on vocational virtues, we present a reading of a paper by Barry Schwartz:  Schwartz, B. (2022). Science, scholarship...

Episode 11: Inquisitionis Vastum

30 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the topic of research waste. We discuss what it is it that is being wasted and whether we waste fewer scientific resources...

Prologus 11: The Efficiency of Scientific Research (J.D. Bernal)

23 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus episode, Daniël reads Chapter 5 of John Desmond Bernal’s book The Social Function of Science, entitled The Efficiency of Scientific R...

Episode 10: Probatio Significativitatis Hypothesis Nihili

16 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Shownotes Wilson, E. B. (1923). The Statistical Significance of Experimental Data. Science, 58(1493), 93–100. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.58.149...

Episode 9: Praeiudicium Publicandi

02 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the issue of publication bias. We discuss issues like: Do we learn anything from null results, given the current state of ...

Episode 8: Scientia Cultus Sarcinarum

19 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss physicist Richard Feynman’s famous speech ‘Cargo Cult Science,’ which refers to work that has all the affectations o...

Prologus 8: Cargo Cult Science (R.P. Feynman)

12 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus episode, we present a reading of the famous speech by physicist Richard Feynman on "science that isn't science," Cargo Cult Science, wh...

Episode 7: Corpora Regulatoria

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss regulatory bodies their influence on the generation and dissemination of knowledge. Should regulatory bodies have the autho...

Episode 6: Consentio

21 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the importance of consensus in science, both as means of establishing true knowledge and for determining which research qu...

Episode 5: Insanabile Scribendi Cacoethes

07 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the insatiable itch to publish, starting with a quote from 1927 by sociologist Clarence Case on the dictum “Publish or p...

Episode 4: Eminentia

24 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the role of eminence in science. What ask questions like: What makes scientists eminent? What role does eminence play in s...

Episode 3: Confirmatio Praeiudicia

10 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In our third episode, we discuss confirmation bias, which affects not only how scientists generate and test their own hypotheses, but also how they ev...

Episode 2: Scepticismus

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In our second episode, we discuss the role of skepticism in science, a topic that relates closely to the title of our podcast. Given that the scientif...

Episode 1: Motivus

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In our first episode, we discuss a quote from the preface to The Instauratio Magna (of which Novum Organum is a part), in which Bacon claims that scie...