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What is the proper way to handle and document "failed" experiments or negative results?

My experiment didn't work—the hypothesis wasn't supported, or the method failed. This feels like wasted time. Should I just move on, or is there value in documenting and even publishing this? How do I handle it in my thesis?

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By Sapna Answered 1 year ago

"Failed" experiments are only failures if you fail to learn from them. They are essential scientific data that prevent others from wasting resources. In your thesis, document them fully: hypothesis, method, results, and a thoughtful discussion on why it might have failed (methodological flaw? theory incorrect?). This demonstrates critical thinking. For publication, consider journals specializing in null results (e.g., PLOS ONE, Journal of Negative Results). Some fields also have registered reports, where the method is peer-reviewed before results are known, guaranteeing publication regardless of outcome. Hiding negative results distorts the scientific record and is a form of bias. Treat them with the same rigor as "successful" experiments—they often teach you more.

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