Episode 61: Septem Vacae Sacrae III
This is the final installment of the three-part series on Paul Meehl's unpublished book, The Seven Sacred Cows of Academia.
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 61
Nullius in Verba
Nullius in Verba is a podcast about science—what it is and what it could be. It is hosted by Smriti Mehta from UC Berkeley and Daniël Lakens from Eindhoven University of Technology.
We draw inspiration from the book Novum Organum, written in 1620 by Francis Bacon, which laid the foundations of the modern scientific method. Our logo is an homage to the title page of Novum Organum, which depicts a galleon passing between the mythical Pillars of Hercules on either side of the Strait of Gibraltar, which have been smashed by Iberian sailors to open a new world for exploration. Just as this marks the exit from the well-charted waters of the Mediterranean into the Atlantic Ocean, Bacon hoped that empirical investigation will similarly smash the old scientific ideas and lead to a greater understanding of the natural world.
The title of the podcast comes from the motto of the Royal Society, set in typeface Kepler by Robert Slimbach. Our theme song is Newton’s Cradle by Grandbrothers.
Episodes
Episode 60: Septem Vacae Sacrae II
This is the second part of a three-episode series on Paul Meehl's unpublished book, The Seven Sacred Cows of Academia .
Jun 06, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 60
Episode 59: Septem Vacae Sacrae I
This is the first part of a three-episode series on Paul Meehl's unpublished book, The Seven Sacred Cows of Academia .
May 23, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 59
Episode 58: Communicatio Scientiae
In this episode, we discuss science communication. What is the purpose of science communication? Who does or should engage in it? Are there negative consequences of communicating science to the public? And what should we discuss over coffee and sandwiches? Shownotes Joubert, M. (2019). Beyond the Sagan effect. Nature Astronomy, 3(2), 131-132. Martinez-Conde, S. (2016). Has contemporary academia outgrown the Carl Sagan effect?. Journal of Neuroscience, 36(7), 2077-2082. Turner, J. (1962). Some Co...
May 10, 2025•57 min•Season 1Ep. 58
Episode 57: Censura
Censorship in the Sciences: Interdisciplinary Perspectives Conference: https://dornsife.usc.edu/cesr/censorship-in-the-sciences-interdisciplinary-perspectives/ How Woke Warriors Destroyed Anthropology - Elizabeth Weiss https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpWN_CsuiRc&t=392s Clark, C. J., Jussim, L., Frey, K., Stevens, S. T., Al-Gharbi, M., Aquino, K., ... & von Hippel, W. (2023). Prosocial motives underlie scientific censorship by scientists: A perspective and research agenda. Proceedings of ...
Apr 25, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 58
Episode 56: Cur Plerumque Investigatio Publica Falsa Est
Ioannidis, J. P. A. (2005). Why Most Published Research Findings Are False. PLoS Medicine, 2(8), e124. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0020124 Neher, A. (1967). Probability Pyramiding, Research Error and the Need for Independent Replication. The Psychological Record, 17(2), 257–262. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393713 Moonesinghe, R., Khoury, M. J., & Janssens, A. C. J. W. (2007). Most Published Research Findings Are False—But a Little Replication Goes a Long Way. PLOS Medicine, 4(2), e2...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 56
Prologus 56: Probability Pyramiding (A. Neher)
In preparation for our discussion of "Why Most Published Research Findings Are False" by John Ioannidis from 2005, we read a very similar paper published 40 years earlier: Neher, A. (1967). Probability Pyramiding, Research Error and the Need for Independent Replication. The Psychological Record, 17(2), 257–262. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393713
Mar 28, 2025•20 min•Ep. 57
Episode 55: Pseudoscientia
In this episode, we discuss what separates science from pseudoscience and touch upon the demarcation problem, the recent controversial podcast called the Telepathy Tapes, and the movie Ghostbusters. Enjoy. Shownotes McLean v. Arkansas Pigliucci, M., & Boudry, M. (Eds.). (2019). Philosophy of pseudoscience: Reconsidering the demarcation problem. University of Chicago Press. Report of the Royal Commission to Investigate Animal Magnetism The Telepathy Tapes Frankfurt, H. G. (2009). On bullshit ...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 55
Episode 54: Fabulae Coniurationis
Conspiracy Stories Show Notes: Zeitgeist documentary: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeitgeist_(film_series) Podcast Drang naar Samenhang: https://podcasts.apple.com/nl/podcast/drang-naar-samenhang/id1584797552 This is not a conspiracy theory documentary. https://www.everythingisaremix.info/tinact Parker, M. (2000). Human Science as Conspiracy Theory. The Sociological Review, 48(2_suppl), 191-207. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-954X.2000.tb03527.x Douglas, K. M., Sutton, R. M., & Cichocka, A....
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 54
Episode 53: Fraus - II
Broad, W. J., & Wade, N. (1983). Betrayers of the truth. New York : Simon and Schuster. http://archive.org/details/betrayersoftruth00broa Wolfgang Stroebe, Tom Postmes, & Russell Spears. (2012). Scientific Misconduct and the Myth of Self-Correction in Science. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 7(6), 670–688. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691612460687 Zotero can track if you are citing retractions: https://retractionwatch.com/2019/06/12/want-to-check-for-retractions-in-your-personal-li...
Feb 21, 2025•51 min•Ep. 53
Episode 52: Fraus - I
Babbage, C. (1830). Reflections on the Decline of Science in England: And on Some of Its Causes. B. Fellowes. Sokal, A. D. (1996). Transgressing the Boundaries: Toward a Transformative Hermeneutics of Quantum Gravity. Social Text, 46/47, 217. https://doi.org/10.2307/466856 Grievance studies: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grievance_studies_affair It is legal to own and/or read Mein Kampf in The Netherlands (and Germany). Hand, D. (2007). Deception and dishonesty with data: Fraud in science. Signi...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 52
Episode 51: Quinquagesimus - II
In this special two-part celebration, we answer questions submitted by our listeners. Thanks to Don Moore, Leif Nelson, Henry Wyneken, Charlotte Pennington, and Karan Paranganat for the questions featured in this episode. And thank you for joining us for 50 episodes!
Jan 24, 2025•53 min•Season 1Ep. 51
Episode 50: Quinquagesimus - I
In this special two-part celebration, we answer questions submitted by our listeners. Thanks to James Steele, Peder Isager, and Simen Leithe Tajet for the questions featured in this episode. And thank you for joining us for 50 episodes! Shownotes Roger Scruton Quote Borsboom, D., Mellenbergh, G. J., & van Heerden, J. (2003). The theoretical status of latent variables. Psychological Review, 110(2), 203–219. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.110.2.203 Danermark, B., Ekström, M., & Karlsson...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 50
Episode 49: Valor Scientiae Psychologicae
You can listen to the podcast More of a Comment Than a Question here: https://moreofacomment.buzzsprout.com/ Our joint episode is a response to the episode ‘Final Final Final Comments’: https://moreofacomment.buzzsprout.com/1207223/episodes/16055645-final-final-final-comments
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 50
Prologus 49: We Have to Break Up (R. B. Cialdini)
In preparation for our next episode, a joint recording with our friends from More of a Comment than a Question, we read a paper by Robert Cialdini about the value of social psychology for the general public. Cialdini, R. B. (2009). We Have to Break Up. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 4(1), 5–6. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6924.2009.01091.x
Dec 06, 2024•12 min•Ep. 49
Episode 48: Defectum
How I Fail. Blog by Veronika Cheplygina https://veronikach.com/category/how-i-fail/ Arkin, R. (2011). Most Underappreciated: 50 Prominent Social Psychologists Describe Their Most Unloved Work. Oxford University Press. Kerr, N. L. (1998). HARKing: Hypothesizing After the Results are Known. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 2(3), 196–217. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327957pspr0203_4 Sharpe, D. (2013). Why the resistance to statistical innovations? Bridging the communication gap. Psychologic...
Nov 29, 2024•59 min•Ep. 48
Episode 47: Inductio et Deductio
In this episode, we delve into induction and deduction and talk further about issues related to generalizability. Shownotes Popper, K. The Logic of Scientific Discovery. (1953). Hutchinson & Co. (Originally published in 1935) Yarkoni, T. (2022). The generalizability crisis. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 45, e1. Mook, D. G. (1983). In defense of external invalidity. American psychologist, 38(4), 379-387. Salmon, W. C. (1981). Rational Prediction. The British Journal for the Philosophy of Sci...
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 47
Episode 46: Invaliditas Externa
In this episode, we discuss the paper "In defense of external invalidity" by Douglas Mook. Shownotes Mook, D. G. (1983). In defense of external invalidity. American Psychologist, 38(4), 379–387. Mook, D. G. (1989). The myth of external validity. Everyday cognition in adulthood and late life, 25-43. The case of Phineas Gage was written up: Harlow, J. M. (1848). Passage of an iron rod through the head. The Boston Medical and Surgical Journal (1828-1851), 39(20)...
Nov 01, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 46
Prologus 46: In Defense of External Invalidity (D. G. Mook)
A reading of the paper In Defense of External Invalidty by Douglas G. Mook, which will be discussed in the next episode. Mook, D. G. (1983). In defense of external invalidity. American Psychologist, 38(4), 379–387. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.38.4.379
Oct 25, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 46
Episode 45: Apprenticiatus
In this episode, we discuss the role of apprenticeship in training scientists and researchers. What’s the difference between traditional apprenticeship and cognitive apprenticeship? Does graduate training live up to its promise as an apprenticeship model? What can we do to improve the modeling of skills that are to be taught during graduate training? Shownotes Collins, A., Brown, J. S., & Holum, A. (1991). Cognitive apprenticeship: Making thinking visible. American educator, 15(3), 6-11. Gab...
Oct 18, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 45
Episode 44: Reprehensio Scientiae Aperta
This is a live episode, recorded in Växjö, Sweden (Linnaeus university) on September 24, 2024, at the 5th meeting of the Open Science Community Sweden and the Swedish Reproducibility Network. Thanks to André Kalmendal at Mono ( https://monovaxjo.se ) for recording the episode.
Oct 04, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 44
Episode 43: Historia Casus Methodi Scientifica
In this episode, we discuss the paper "A case history in scientific method" by B. F. Skinner Shownotes Skinner, B. F. (1956). A case history in scientific method. American psychologist, 11(5), 221. Richter, C. P. (1953). Free research versus design research. Science, 118(3056), 91–93. https://archive.org/details/WaldenTwoChapter01
Sep 20, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Prologus 43: A Case Study in Scientific Method (Skinner)
In preparation for the next episode, in which we discuss this paper, here is a reading of: Skinner, B. F. (1956). A case history in scientific method. American Psychologist, 11(5), 221-233.
Sep 13, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 45
Episode 42: Aestimatio Scriptorum
In today’s episode, we discuss critically reading and appraising scientific articles. How do we select which articles to read carefully? Which heuristics are useful for assessing paper quality? And do open science practices actually lead to better quality papers? Enjoy. Shownotes Bacon, F. (1625). Of Studies . PNAS Submissions contributed by NAS members "The contributing member submits the manuscript to PNAS along with the names of at least two experts in the field of the paper who have agreed t...
Sep 06, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Episode 41: Sodalitates Academicae
In this episode, we talk about academic societies, professional organizations, and academic advocacy groups, focusing primarily on the discipline of psychology. What are their roles and responsibilities? Is it necessary for researchers to join such organizations? And should we bring back scholarly soirees? Enjoy. Shownotes Royal Society Referee Reports Psychological Science APA Divisions Consistori del Gay Saber ReproducibiliTea The Royal Society Soirées...
Aug 23, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Episode 40: Tabula de Ethicis Recensionibus
In this episode, we discuss review boards for research with human subjects. Are they necessary? Are they efficient? Are scientists well equipped to make judgements about ethics? And are economists more ethical than psychologists? Shownotes Whitney, S. N. (2015). Balanced ethics review: A guide for institutional review board members. Springer. Schrag, Z. M. (2010). Ethical imperialism: Institutional review boards and the social sciences, 1965–2009. JHU Press. Kinsey Reports Masters & Johnson ...
Aug 09, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Episode 39: Activismus
In this episode, we discuss activism in science. How do political and personal values affect science? When is activism just part of the job? And should one be careful about activism in the classroom? Enjoy. Shownotes: Frisby, C. L., Redding, R. E., & O’Donohue, W. T. (2023). Ideological and Political Bias in Psychology: An Introduction. In Ideological and Political Bias in Psychology: Nature, Scope, and Solutions (pp. 1-14). Cham: Springer International Publishing. McCaughey, M. (2023). The ...
Jul 27, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Episode 38 - Replicatio - II
In this episode, we continue our discussion of replications. We talk about how to analyze replication studies, which studies are worth replicating, and what is the status of replications in other scientific disciplines. Shownotes Mack, R. W. (1951). The Need for Replication Research in Sociology. American Sociological Review, 16(1), 93–94. https://doi.org/10.2307/2087978 Smith, N. C. (1970). Replication studies: A neglected aspect of psychological research. American Psychologist, 25(10), 970–975...
Jul 12, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Episode 37: Replicatio - I
In the next two episodes, we will discuss replication studies, which are essential to building reliable scientific knowledge. Shownotes Mack, R. W. (1951). The Need for Replication Research in Sociology. American Sociological Review, 16(1), 93–94. https://doi.org/10.2307/2087978 Smith, N. C. (1970). Replication studies: A neglected aspect of psychological research. American Psychologist, 25(10), 970–975. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0029774 Sidman, M. (1960). Tactics of Scientific Research: Evaluati...
Jun 28, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Prologus 37: Replication studies: A neglected aspect of psychological research (N. C. Smith)
Smith, N. C. (1970). Replication studies: A neglected aspect of psychological research. American Psychologist, 25(10), 970–975. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0029774
Jun 21, 2024•28 min•Ep. 37
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