Final answer:
Replication is the process in which researchers repeat a study done by others to verify that the phenomenon is real and the results are reliable. It is a fundamental aspect of scientific research and peer review that aids in establishing consensus within the scientific community. Replication also plays a role in addressing research ethics and the replication crisis by ensuring the credibility of findings.
Step-by-step explanation:
When researchers document that a phenomenon is real by repeating a study done by another scientist, they are engaging in replication. This process is critical in the scientific community as it helps to establish the reliability and validity of research findings. The process of replication involves conducting an experiment again to determine if the same results can be obtained consistently, which is a cornerstone of scientific research. Peer-reviewed journals play a vital role in this process by allowing other experts to evaluate and repeat experiments, ensuring that the results are not due to chance or flawed methodology. Moreover, replication contributes to the advancement of knowledge by confirming results which in turn builds consensus in the scientific community. In cases where results cannot be replicated, it casts doubt on the original findings, leading to further investigations which enhance the scientific method.
Research ethics mandate adherence to guidelines such as voluntary participation and informed consent when human subjects are involved. Replication is a crucial aspect that complements these ethical standards by requiring that findings are replicable and not merely artifacts of particular conditions or biases. A rigorous replication process also addresses the replication crisis seen in fields like psychology, where some well-known studies failed to be replicated by others, highlighting the need for transparency and collaboration in research.