A Framework for Assessing the Trustworthiness of Scientific Research Findings

Authors

• Brian A Nosek
• David B Allison
• Kathleen Hall Jamieson
• Marcia McNutt
• A Beau Nielsen
• Susan M Wolf

Language

English

Publication Date

2-10-2026

Journal

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

DOI

10.1073/pnas.2536736123

PMID

41632849

PMCID

PMC12890942

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

2-3-2026

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Abstract

Vigorous debate has erupted over the trustworthiness of scientific research findings in a number of domains. The question "what makes research findings trustworthy?" elicits different answers depending on whether the emphasis is on research integrity and ethics, research methods, transparency, inclusion, assessment and peer review, or scholarly communication. Each provides partial insight. We offer a systems approach that focuses on whether the research is accountable, evaluable, well-formulated, has been evaluated, controls for bias, reduces error, and whether the claims are warranted by the evidence. We tie each of these components to measurable indicators of trustworthiness for evaluating the research itself, the researchers conducting the research, and the organizations supporting the research. Our goals are to offer a framework that can be applied across methods, approaches, and disciplines and to foster innovation in development of trustworthiness indicators. Developing valid indicators will improve the conduct and assessment of research and, ultimately, public understanding and trust.

Keywords

Trust, Humans, Biomedical Research, Research Design, open science, metascience, research integrity, research ethics, assessment

Published Open-Access

yes

Recommended Citation

Nosek, Brian A; Allison, David B; Jamieson, Kathleen Hall; et al., "A Framework for Assessing the Trustworthiness of Scientific Research Findings" (2026). Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications. 327.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/staff_pub/327