When is science valid?

Abstract

A checklist for non-experts, establishing the validation of a scientific idea, is provided, so that the idea is applied in the wider community. The checklist ensures whether the idea is published in the peer-reviewed literature in the relevant field of science. It also finds if other scientists have cited the validity of the publication and conducted additional tests that show the idea is valid. The minority that include mainstream scientific majority needs to publish their ideas such that the alternative views can be rigorously tested against the evidence. Scientific societies such as OSA also have an obligation to ensure that the wider community is aware of the robust nature of its peer-review processes. A need of awareness among the wider community on the working of the scientific process is essential to know when the scientific evidence represents a true consensus. Show more