Revised Guidelines for Submitting Null, Negative, and Non-Significant Results
BioNatura Journal actively promotes scientific integrity by welcoming rigorously conducted studies with null, negative, or non-significant results. These contributions are vital to combat publication bias and advance reproducible science.
Eligible Study Types
We welcome submissions of:
- Studies where the primary hypothesis is not supported (with robust design).
- Statistically non-significant outcomes (with adequate power/sample size).
- Failed replications of published findings.
- Evidence demonstrating absence of effect in treatments, compounds, or interventions.
Acceptance Criteria
Submissions must meet the following criteria:
✔ Methodological Rigor
- Justified sample size and appropriate controls.
- Reproducible protocols with bias/error assessment.
- Sensitivity analysis and validation steps.
✔ Data Transparency
- Full reporting of all relevant results (no selective omission).
- Comprehensive statistical analyses:
- Confidence intervals and *p*-values.
- Power analysis (where applicable).
✔ Critical Discussion
- Contextual interpretation of null findings.
- Limitations and alternative explanations.
- Scientific impact:
- Unresolved questions.
- Proposed next research steps.
✔ Ethics & Preregistration
- Pre-registration required (e.g., OSF, ClinicalTrials.gov) when applicable.
- Mandatory disclosure of funding/conflicts of interest.
Article Structure
- Title: Neutral and descriptive (e.g., "Effect of Compound X on Y: A Randomized Null-Result Study").
- Abstract: Structured (Objective, Methods, Results, Conclusions), highlighting result nature.
- Introduction: Context + rationale without overpromising.
- Methods: Detailed protocols + ethics/preregistration.
- Results: Complete data (including negatives) with clear tables/figures.
- Discussion: Focus on why results matter despite being null.
- Conclusion: Scientific value + future directions (e.g., "These findings redirect research toward...").
Visibility Policy
- Accepted articles labeled:
"Null Results | Open Data Transparency" - Promoted via:
- Social media campaigns.
- Dedicated journal section.
Contact
For pre-submission inquiries or proposals:
editorial@bionaturajournal.com
Join us in fostering transparency, reproducibility, and ethical science.
Key Strengths
- Bias Mitigation: Explicit pre-registration requirement reduces HARKing (Hypothesizing After Results are Known).
- Impact-Driven: Focuses on scientific value of null results, not just methodology.
- Recognition: Unique labeling system increases visibility and citations.
- Transparency: Mandates full data disclosure, aligning with TOP Guidelines.