Examples
Worked examples
- Is an instance
A study with a priori power calculation, pre-registered hypotheses, blinded outcome assessment, and statistician on the writing team.
- Is an instance
A laboratory SOP enforcing randomised cage-allocation and blinded scoring.
Counter-examples
Looks similar, but isn't
- Not an instance
A descriptive study with no design controls.
- Not an instance
An anecdotal report.
Editorial commentary
Scientific rigour is the umbrella concept invoked in the NIH Rigor and Reproducibility policy and analogous funder statements. It encompasses sample-size justification, randomisation, blinding, statistical pre-specification, and transparent reporting. Rigour is the input; reproducibility is one observable output.
References
- Collins, Tabak, 'Policy: NIH plans to enhance reproducibility' (Nature, 2014).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does scientific rigour mean?
Scientific rigour is the strict application of the scientific method to ensure unbiased and well-controlled experimental design, methodology, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of results. It is the umbrella concept invoked in the NIH Rigor and Reproducibility policy and analogous funder statements.
Is scientific rigour the same as reproducibility?
No. Rigour is the input — the design and reporting practices applied to a study — while reproducibility is one observable output of that rigour. The two terms are related but describe different stages of research.
What practices does scientific rigour include?
It encompasses sample-size justification, randomisation, blinding, statistical pre-specification, and transparent reporting.
What does a scientifically rigorous study look like in practice?
Examples include a study with a priori power calculation, pre-registered hypotheses, blinded outcome assessment, and a statistician on the writing team, or a laboratory SOP enforcing randomised cage-allocation and blinded scoring. A descriptive study with no design controls, or an anecdotal report, would not meet this standard.
Are 'research rigour' and 'methodological rigour' the same as scientific rigour?
Yes. CASRAI's dictionary lists 'research rigour' and 'methodological rigour' as aliases for scientific rigour, referring to the same underlying concept.
Which funder policy defines scientific rigour?
The term is invoked in the NIH Rigor and Reproducibility policy and analogous statements from other funders.
Also known as
research rigour · methodological rigour
Machine-readable encodings
Use in your systems
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