Error needs culture! Exploring the relationship between error culture and openness

Abstract In this article, we examine the role of errors in data-driven research and assess the extent to which a lack of a constructive error culture has been addressed across various research fields. Motivated by recurring calls in the research data management community for clearer guidance, it presents examples of how scientific communities have addressed problems related to ‘flawed research’—a term we use to describe research acts that lead to wrong and unreliable results. Furthermore, it highlights observations on how error culture in science can positively impact the research process. We demonstrate that error culture both benefits from suitable infrastructures and depends on their support to spread. This creates a reciprocal relationship between error culture, transparency and open science. Consequently, we argue that errors themselves do not hinder the progress of scientific knowledge. Instead, it is the way they are subsequently dealt with that poses a challenge. Moreover, data sharing and open science practices can be fostered by developing an error culture in each disciplinary context.