Nullius in Verba Episode 62: Experimenta Exploratoria
Jul 4, 2025
Dive into the fascinating world of exploratory experimentation, where scientists venture into the unknown without rigid hypotheses. Discover why this innovative approach is often undervalued in the research community, contrary to its potential for groundbreaking findings. The importance of transparent documentation in building credibility is highlighted, along with the challenges young researchers face amidst academic pressures. Plus, explore the unique crossroads of psychology, AI, and sports science that redefine how we understand exploratory research.
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Daniël Lakens Filler Task Story
- Daniël Lakens shares an example of exploratory experimentation during his PhD using filler tasks unrelated to main studies.
- These tasks led to significant findings and became central to his thesis.
Pure Exploratory Experimentation Defined
- Pure exploratory experimentation involves systematically testing all possible variations to uncover phenomena.
- This approach needs minimal theory but can lack creativity and is now often automated.
Limits of Exploratory Research Value
- Exploratory research cannot severely test hypotheses which makes results less valued despite their importance.
- The limitation is in the scientific system's focus on novel and confirmatory discoveries, not in exploration itself.
