Publishing Details
About This Podcast
Nullius in Verba is a podcast about science—what it is and what it could be. It is hosted by Smriti Mehta from UC Berkeley and Daniël Lakens from Eindhoven University of Technology.
Our logo is an homage to the title page of Novum Organum, which depicts a galleon passing between the mythical Pillars of Hercules on either side of the Strait of Gibraltar. The title of the podcast comes from the motto of the Royal Society, set in typeface Kepler by Robert Slimbach. Our theme song is Newton’s Cradle by Grandbrothers.
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Recent Episodes
S1E79 Episode 79: Dissensio - II
In this episode, we continue our discussion of disagreement in science, shifting the conversation from why it matters to how to do it well. Shownotes Paul Graham. (2008). How to…
S1E78 Episode 78: Dissensio - I
This is a two-part episode on the role of disagreement in science. In the first part, we discuss the "why," before moving on to the "how" in the next episode. Enjoy. Shownotes Dellsén, F., &…
Episode 77: Miscitatio
In this episode, we discuss the problem of miscitation. How often are citations to the scientific literature outright misleading? Do we really need to spell out that people are supposed to read what…
S1E76 Episode 76: Incitamenta - II
In this two-part episode, we discuss incentives in science and academia. We discuss the various incentives in science, including recognition, citations, money, and the kick in the…
S1E75 Episode 75: Incitamenta - I
In this two-part episode, we discuss incentives in science and academia. We discuss the various incentives in science, including recognition, citations, money, and the kick in the…
Episode 74: Notiones Vague
In this episode, we discuss the problems associated with vague concepts in psychological science. We talk about the jingle-jangle fallacy, the trade-off between broad concepts and more precise…
Episode 73: Scientismus - II
In this episode, we continue our discussion of scientism. We talk about 6 problems with scientism that have been raised by Susan Haack, if we should feel bad about having some sympathy for scientism,…
Episode 72: Scientismus - I
In this two-part episode, we delve into the topic of scientism. Is science the best way to generate knowledge? Or are we giving too much deference to science if we believe this? In this first part,…
S1E71 Episode 71: Commentarius Scientificus: Fraus?
In this episode, we discuss "Is the scientific paper a fraud?" by Sir Peter Medawar. Shownotes Medawar, P. (1999). Is the scientific paper a fraud? Communicating Science: Professional Contexts,…
S1E71 Prologus 71: Is the Scientific Paper A Fraud (P. Medawar)
Medawar, P. (1999). Is the scientific paper a fraud? Communicating Science: Professional Contexts, 27–31.
Episode 70: Scientia Tacita
In this episode, we try to make the concept of tacit knowledge explicit. How much of our scientific knowledge depends on knowledge that we can't communicate directly? How can we replicate studies, if…
Episode 69: Fraus P-Valoris - II
In this episode, we continue the discussion on p-hacking. Were the accusations of p-hacking valid? And how can one avoid said accusations? What are the reasons for p-hacking? And what are some…
S1E68 Episode 68: Fraus P-Valoris - I
In this two-part episode, we delve into the phenomenon of p-hacking. What are the various terms used to describe practices that inflate error rates? How does terminology shape our understanding and…
S1E67 Episode 67: Investigatio Inhonesta
In this episode, we discuss unethical research. What are some examples of egregious violations of ethical guidelines? What are some more subtle ways in which research can be unethical?And what should…
Episode 66: Psychologia Controversiae
Boring, E. G. (1929). The psychology of controversy. Psychological Review, 36(2), 97–121. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0072273
Prologus 66: The Psychology of Controversy (E. G. Boring)
Boring, E. G. (1929). The psychology of controversy. Psychological Review, 36(2), 97–121. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0072273
Episode 65: Scientia de Scientia - II
In the second episode on metascience, we discuss the benefits of metascientific study according to Mario Bunge, some key milestones in sociology, psychology, and anthropology of science, and whether…
S1E64 Episode 64: Scientia de Scientia - I
In the first part of this two-part episode, we explore the foundations of metascience—what it is, how it relates to and differs from the history and philosophy of science, and why understanding its…
S1E64 Prologus 64: Why Metascience? (M. Bunge)
Bunge, M. (1959). Why metascience? Metascientific Queries (pp. 3-27). Charles C Thomas.
Episode 63: Experimenta Praematura
In this episode we discuss whether psychology is engaging in premature experimentation. Are experiments overused, and should we make greater use of other approaches to knowledge generation? If so,…
Frequently Asked Questions
Nullius in Verba has published 100 episodes since February 2023, covering topics in Science.
Nullius in Verba is currently declining with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 59m.
