Can the blockchain bring back integrity to scientific research

.......and reduce the asymmetric distribution of knowledge?

Research generally relies upon a version of the following scientific method;

1. Observation
2. Ponder and speculate, giving rise to questions
3. Form hypotheses
4. Develop testable predictions
5. Gather data
6. Analyze the data
7. Revise steps 1 to 6
8. Make conclusions and repeat

Every component of the scientific research methodology is susceptible to failure even at the best of times;

1. Poor observations
2. The wrong questions
3. Ambiguous hypotheses
4. Predictions that are difficult to test
5. Data with no integrity
6. Bad analysis
7. Pointless revisions
8. Inaccurate conclusions

The accumulation of knowledge is an iterative process and can be expensive, so it becomes ever more important for research based on other research to be reliable. When research is actively manipulated in any way, it immediately becomes worthless. This includes anything based on manipulated research.

If knowledge is power, isn't it in all our interests to enhance the availability and distribution of quality information? Isn't it true, that a society broadly empowered with knowledge would advance more rapidly, be more innovative, more healthy, more peaceful, less insecure and more productive? The problem is that power is not often shared willingly.

How does this relate to scientific research and the blockchain? There is a growing crisis of confidence in the institutions that both fund and conduct scientific research. Generally speaking, people are gradually becoming more aware that 'science' is either being conducted in secret, so that the resulting knowledge can be kept from, used on or sold to them. When in the open, it is often manipulated to serve a variety of agendas that are not in their interests. The trouble is that once trust is lost, all science becomes suspect and individuals must rely upon themselves rather than our diverse, time-saving tactic of specialization. If you no longer trust food producers and doctors, are you going to grow your own food and study for a doctorate.....as well as doing your day job? There are not enough hours in the day. We rely upon each other. So there are two big issues, regaining trust and maintaining systemic integrity over time. The solution to both problems are the same. The blockchain. With the blockchain you can do science openly and in a manner that is more resistant to manipulation. Assuming the data you capture has integrity, thousands of individuals will be able to review it and form a consensus about the conclusions.

Obviously, data that reached the blockchain would need to have integrity and reputations could be built upon that. The reputational and financial cost to anyone involved in scientific research, where the science in now being questioned, is potentially huge. So there is a financial incentive to doing scientific research with integrity. If good money drives out bad, can good research eventually drive out bad?

I know my post does not address many of the complex issues that may arise during the course of getting from a to b. I believe there is a growing thirst for truth and the only 'truth' we're ever likely to enjoy begins with the open analysis of data with integrity. Like open-source code, verified by thousands of peers.....scientific research can evolve.

#writing #blockchain