The Road to Uncreative Science Is Paved With Good Intentions: Ideas, Implementations, and Uneasy Balances

Abstract

How does the current replication crisis, along with other recent psychological trends, affect scientific creativity? To answer this question, we consider current debates regarding replication through the lenses of creativity research and theory. Both scientific work and creativity require striking a balance between ideation and implementation and between freedom and constraints. However, current debates about replication and some of the emerging guidelines stemming from them threaten this balance and run the risk of stifling innovation. Although we recognize the importance of doing rigorous science, we argue that any “one size fits all” research guidelines being proposed or enforced will do more harm than good for scientific creativity.