How can institutional policies on tenure and promotion contribute to reproducibility problems?

Institutional policies on tenure and promotion can significantly influence research practices and outcomes. When the emphasis is placed on publishing a high volume of articles, particularly those that may not meet rigorous scientific standards, it can lead to a culture that prioritizes quantity over quality. This focus on producing numerous publications may incentivize researchers to rush their work, neglect adequate verification of results, or even bypass necessary replication efforts. Consequently, this can result in a body of research that lacks robustness and reproducibility, because publications are selected based on their number rather than their contribution to scientific knowledge or reliable results.

In contrast, policies that reward mentorship, encourage professional development, or acknowledge the importance of replication studies foster an environment that values thoroughness, accuracy, and the advancement of reliable scientific practices, all of which contribute positively to the integrity of research.