logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2024
1h 15m

Why Is There So Much Fraud in Academia? ...

Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
About this episode

Some of the biggest names in behavioral science stand accused of faking their results. Last year, an astonishing 10,000 research papers were retracted. In a series originally published in early 2024, we talk to whistleblowers, reformers, and a co-author who got caught up in the chaos. (Part 1 of 2)

 

  • SOURCES:
    • Max Bazerman, professor of business administration at Harvard Business School.
    • Leif Nelson, professor of business administration at the University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business.
    • Brian Nosek, professor of psychology at the University of Virginia and executive director at the Center for Open Science.
    • Joseph Simmons, professor of applied statistics and operations, information, and decisions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
    • Uri Simonsohn, professor of behavioral science at Esade Business School.
    • Simine Vazire, professor of psychology at the University of Melbourne and editor-in-chief of Psychological Science.

 

 

Up next
Yesterday
How to Make Your Own Luck (Update)
Before she decided to become a poker pro, Maria Konnikova didn’t know how many cards are in a deck. But she did have a Ph.D. in psychology, a brilliant coach, and a burning desire to know whether life is driven more by skill or chance. She found some answers in poker — and she’s ... Show More
58m 7s
Jul 4
639. “This Country Kicks My Ass All the Time”
Cory Booker on the politics of fear, the politics of hope, and how to split the difference. SOURCES:Cory Booker, senior United States Senator from New Jersey. RESOURCES:"'When Are More Americans Going to Speak Up?'" by The New Yorker Radio Hour (2025)."Cory Booker’s Marathon Floo ... Show More
53m 46s
Jun 27
638. Are You Ready for the Elder Swell?
In the U.S., there will soon be more people over 65 than there are under 18 — and it’s not just lifespan that’s improving, it’s “healthspan” too. Unfortunately, the American approach to aging is stuck in the 20th century. In less than an hour, we try to unstick it. (Part three of ... Show More
54m 53s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2024
221. Why Are We So Pessimistic?
Are things really as bad as they seem? Has Gen Z given up hope for the world? And why was the father of positive psychology a lifelong pessimist? SOURCES:Albert Bandura, professor of psychology at Stanford University.David Brooks, author and opinion columnist. Andrew Grove, forme ... Show More
39m 8s
Oct 2024
217. What Happens When You Put on a Costume?
Would you steal Halloween candy? Should people be required to identify themselves online?  And why did Angela go trick-or-treating in a trash bag?  SOURCES:Hajo Adam, professor of management at the University of Bath.Marianna Cerini, journalist.Edward Diener, professor emeritus o ... Show More
40m 45s
Oct 2024
216. Why Do We Make Excuses?
Is it better to explain a mistake or just accept responsibility? What’s the difference between an excuse and a justification? And why is it important to remember that you’re not a pizzeria on the Jersey Shore?  SOURCES:Robert Cialdini, professor of psychology at Arizona State Uni ... Show More
37m 58s
Nov 2024
219. How Do You Identify a Narcissist?
What’s the difference between narcissism and high self-esteem? Does social media fuel arrogance or self-consciousness? And do people get less toxic with age?  SOURCES:Brené Brown, research professor at the University of Houston and visiting professor in management at the Universi ... Show More
40m 48s
Oct 2024
214. What Does It Take to Survive a Scandal?
How do you come back from being “canceled”? Are we more likely to forgive someone if they cry? And what makes a successful public apology?  SOURCES:Karen Cerulo, professor emeritus of sociology at Rutgers University.Bill Clinton, former president of the United States.David Gergen ... Show More
38m 9s
Aug 2024
207. How Clearly Do You See Yourself?
Do you see yourself the same way others see you? What’s the difference between self-perception and self-awareness? And why do Mike and Angela both hate fishing? SOURCES:Luis von Ahn, co-founder and C.E.O. of Duolingo; former chair of the board at Character Lab.Paul DePodesta, chi ... Show More
36m 23s
Sep 2024
209. Why Do We Settle?
Why does the U.S. use Fahrenheit when Celsius is better? Would you quit your job if a coin flip told you to? And how do you get an entire country to drive on the other side of the road? SOURCES:Christian Crandall, professor of psychology at the University of Kansas.Stephen Dubner ... Show More
35m 2s
Dec 2024
Is It Weird for Adults to Have Imaginary Friends? (Replay)
Why does listening to No Stupid Questions feel like you’re hanging out with your best friends? Why did the whole world take it personally when Princess Diana died? And how do “parasocial relationships” affect your mental health? SOURCES:Bradley Bond, professor of communication st ... Show More
36m 27s
Sep 2024
Why Are Stories Stickier Than Statistics? (Replay)
Also: are the most memorable stories less likely to be true? Stephen Dubner chats with Angela Duckworth in this classic episode from July 2020. SOURCES:Pearl S. Buck, 20th-century American novelist.Jack Gallant, professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of Califo ... Show More
31m 2s
Aug 2024
206. When Is It Time to Step Aside?
Should government jobs have mandatory retirement ages? Is it foolish to care about your legacy? And why did Jason always call Angela’s father “Dr. Lee”? SOURCES:William Bridges, professor emeritus of American literature at Mills College, consultant, and author.Arthur Brooks, prof ... Show More
38m 26s