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Academic English & Research vocabulary · Research Ethics and Integrity

HARKing

Meaning in academic english & research, with examples

nounAdvanced term

In academic english & research, HARKing means: Presenting a hypothesis developed after seeing results as if it had been specified beforehand.

In Turkish: sonuç sonrası hipotezi önceden kurulmuş gibi sunma

How it is used

Short for hypothesizing after the results are known. It criticizes presenting later hypotheses as prior plans, not openly labeled exploration.

Example sentences

  1. The reviewer raised concerns about HARKing because we presented a hypothesis formed after analysis as a prior prediction.

    The concern is the claimed timing of the hypothesis.

  2. We avoided HARKing by labeling the new explanation as a post hoc hypothesis.

    Honest labeling separates discovery from prior prediction.

Common collocations

  • avoid HARKing
  • concerns about HARKing
  • hypothesisA testable statement that predicts a relationship or outcome, which a study then supports or fails to support with evidence.
  • research ethicsprinciples and standards that guide responsible research, including honesty, participant protection, and proper handling of data

More terms: Research Ethics and Integrity

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