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  • 2020
  • Working Paper
  • HBS Working Paper Series

Exploration in Behavioral Science

By: Hanne Collins, A.V. Whillans and Leslie John
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    Abstract

    In the past decade, behavioral science has undergone beneficial shifts towards greater transparency and more rigorous research. However, we wondered whether this heightened focus on confirmation might make researchers feel inhibited towards doing research, and reduce the propensity to explore. Study 1 (N=404), a descriptive survey, indicated that relative to confirmatory research, researchers found exploratory research more enjoyable, motivating, and interesting; and less anxiety-inducing, frustrating, boring, and scientific. It also introduced a scale to measure research inhibition; higher scores were linked to running fewer studies and were particularly common among women, untenured professors, and receiving one’s PhD after 2011—when reforms began. Study 2 (N=463), a pre-registered experiment, indicated that a confirmatory mindset made researchers less likely to find an interesting (non-hypothesized) interaction. A reminder to explore did not mitigate this effect. These studies suggest that work is needed to ensure that rigorous scientific reforms and exploration can coexist.

    Keywords

    Open Science; Pre-registration; Exploration; Career Satisfaction; Science; Research; Personal Development And Career; Satisfaction; Diversity

    Citation

    Collins, Hanne, A.V. Whillans, and Leslie John. "Exploration in Behavioral Science." Harvard Business School Working Paper, No. 20-090, February 2020.
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    About The Authors

    Ashley V. Whillans

    Negotiation, Organizations & Markets
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    Leslie K. John

    Negotiation, Organizations & Markets
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    More from the Authors
    • The What Works Centre: Using Behavioral Science to Improve Social Worker Well-being (A) and (B) By: Ashley V. Whillans
    • Time Smart: Tools for Reclaiming Your Time and Living a Happier Life By: Ashley V. Whillans
    • Can't Buy Me Love (or Friendship): Social Consequences of Financially Contingent Self-Worth By: D. Ward, L.E. Park, K. Naragon-Gainey, H. Jung and A.V. Whillans
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