Repeating original studies using existing data (reproducibility) or new data (replicability) is key to improving the credibility of scientific results. Here, we focus on replications, which can be broadly categorized into direct replications—testing the original hypothesis in new data using the original analysis and design—and conceptual replications—testing the original hypothesis in new data using an alternate analysis and/or design. While encouraging replications is important, increasing their visibility and impact is equally crucial. Large-scale replication projects have generated valuable insights into the overall level of replicability across fields, but they typically emphasize aggregate estimates. We argue that this focus obscures the informational value of individual replication studies. Each replication provides independent evidence for updating beliefs about the likelihood that the underlying hypothesis is true and the magnitude of the effect. Publishing and disseminating individual replications as standalone contributions can therefore enhance their role in the cumulative advancement of scientific knowledge. LAY SUMMARY. This editorial argues that researchers should replicate more existing findings—that is, repeat earlier studies to see whether their results hold up. But more replications alone are not enough: these studies also need to be more visible and recognized within the scientific community. The authors highlight that individual replication studies focusing on single results are valuable in their own right. Each one provides new evidence about whether a finding is reliable and how strong its effect is. This complements large-scale replication projects, which combine many studies to give an overall picture. Treating individual replications as standalone contributions can therefore deepen our understanding beyond these broader summaries.
- From Replication Rates to Replication Evidence: A Guest Editorial
- Felix Holzmeister - University of InnsbruckColin Camerer - California Institute of TechnologyFlorian Cova - University of GenevaAnna Dreber Almenberg - Stockholm School of Economics, Department of EconomicsMagnus Johannesson - Stockholm School of Economics, Department of Economics
- Replication Research, Vol.2(R2), p.2026
- Copyright (c) 2026 Felix Holzmeister, Colin F. Camerer, Florian Cova, Anna Dreber, Magnus Johannesson. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
- Department of Economics
- English
- Editorial