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The limits of the sciences in identifying causes and scientific laws

Objective

Scientists rarely question the scientific methods – and their related complex theory, strong assumptions and problematic quantitative techniques – used to generate the causes and laws in their particular scientific models, which is the guiding research question of this project. Better understanding the limits of using mathematical and statistical methods in science is important for research and policy, because these methods all lead to some degree of biased results and scientists using them often misguidedly claim to establish strong causal relationships. This research project will investigate the underlying assumptions of quantitative methods by critically assessing the leading, most cited academic studies across the sciences that all use some form of mathematical and statistical methods. By combining theoretical, methodological and empirical analysis, this research project will help disentangle the links between the actual methods applied by scientists and the causal effects and scientific laws they claim to identify in their models. Identified causes and laws need to always be understood in the context of the different methods used to express them. This research project thus aims to address the gaps in the literature on scientific methodology by providing insight and knowledge into the large set of important assumptions and limitations behind mathematical and statistical methods used to identify causes and scientific laws. By helping to increase awareness among scientists about these biases and constraints and by outlining ways to better combine multiple methods, this project also aims to help improve scientific practice. More broadly, it hopes to help improve how we understand scientific methodology and thus science and evidence-based policymaking.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.

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Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2016

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Coordinator

LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 183 454,80
Address
Houghton Street 1
WC2A 2AE London
United Kingdom

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Region
London Inner London — West Westminster
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 183 454,80
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