The Inevitable Mistakes

Mistakes in science are not only inevitable, but necessary for advancement.  Scientific theories have changed throughout history because the flaws in theories have been pointed out and corrected as generations gain more knowledge and make new discoveries.  One of the most important ways that a research community can avoid being trapped by mistakes is by acknowledging that one is not always right.  As new studies are published, many others are eager to replicate the study.  One study that gets favorable results is not always correct.  If others find flaws, the best thing to do would be to look at the flaws and see how they affect the results.  Ignoring critiques is one of the easiest ways to become trapped in following the wrong path.