Yes, non-significant results are worth reporting in manuscripts, for they contribute to a more complete and reliable scientific literature, help to avoid publication bias, and may be valuable for future research. 

Reporting what was not found is just as crucial as reporting what was found, as this can be used for refuting a theory, informing future study designs, and giving a complete picture of the research landscape.

Why Non-significant Results Are Important

The popular notion that non-significant results have no value has resulted in a problematic bias in the field of academic publishing. However, this notion is highly flawed and goes against the integrity of scientific research.

There are many critical scientific purposes for reporting non-significant results in research. First, non-significant results that are excluded from publication result in a “file drawer effect,” which results in a distorted scientific record in which a phenomenon seems more robust than it really is. 

Second, an empirically tested but non-significant result is also a contribution to knowledge and is valuable to the scientific community. Third, a non-significant result can also guide future studies in that if one knows what does not work, one can then develop better hypotheses or other types of experimental designs.

At Nexus Expert Research, we know that robust research and reporting services of all research results, regardless of statistical significance, is the basis of scientific integrity and the development of knowledge across disciplines.

Understanding the Worth of Null Result

Prevention of Publication Bias

Publication bias is when publications with statistically significant results have a higher chance of getting published than statistically non-significant results. This results in systematic distortion of the scientific literature in which only “positive” results are visible. Performing null results in research insights and best practices helps to counter this bias and gives a more accurate representation of the research scene.

Contribution to Knowledge Building

The significance of non-significant results to manuscripts is not limited to filling gaps in the literature. Non-significant results can disprove an existing hypothesis or theory and make negative results substantiated, which are building blocks for future studies. 

Research has found that the rejection of a null hypothesis means very little, often, whereas not rejecting a null hypothesis can mean a lot.

Informing Research Accounts of the Future

Should non-significant results be published? Absolutely, because they give out good insights that can save time and resources for other researchers. 

When scientists share what did not work, they prevent other scientists from repeating approaches that do not pan out, and they refine research methodologies. This team effort enhances the rate at which science can advance and generates greater efficiency in the application of research funding.

How To Report Non-significant Results In Papers

Be Transparent and Complete

Another concern – how to report non-significant results in papers – it’s transparency all the way. Researchers should be clear and upfront when they report the data they observe, even if that data doesn’t meet a specific threshold of significance, and report statistical values, such as the precise p-value and confidence intervals. This helps readers to form their own sensible judgments about the findings.

Provide Proper Context

The value of non-significant findings in manuscripts is made evident when results are placed in the proper context. A non-significant result is not a decision that the hypothesis is not true; it may be that the effect was too small to be detected, or the study was not powerful enough. Researchers should discuss these possibilities and explain what the findings mean for their research question.

Report All the Results to Avoid Bias

Researchers should report all test results, including non-significant findings, in order to avoid bias. The decision about whether to proceed with a paper must address whether or not the sample size was determined before the study was begun and whether or not there is room to include additional data in the study. However, even with limited data, reporting non-significant results is a contribution to science.

Best Practices for Academic Publishing

 

Practice	Why It Matters	How to Implement
Report all results	Prevents publication bias and provides complete picture	Include non-significant findings in methods and results sections
Use clear language	Ensures readers understand confidence levels	State “not statistically significant” rather than using vague terms
Include effect sizes	Provides context beyond p-values	Report observed differences with confidence intervals
Perform power analysis	Demonstrates study was adequately designed	Calculate and report a priori power for minimum effect size of interest

 

Common Misconceptions About Non-Significant Results

Misconception	Reality
Non-significant = unimportant	Non-significant results can be highly informative and prevent future researchers from repeating unsuccessful approaches
Only significant results are publishable	Many journals now recognize the value of null results and welcome their publication
P = 0.051 is “almost significant”	Statistical significance is binary; avoid terms like “trending toward significance”
Non-significant means no effect exists	Non-significance means you cannot confidently reject the null hypothesis, not that no effect exists

The Role Played by Research Organizations

Nexus Expert Research believes in transparent and comprehensive reporting practices, where non-significant results in academic publishing are reported. 

By embracing all research findings, we add to a more accurate and reliable scientific literature that benefits those who use the research, the decision-makers, and the scientific community as a whole.

Don’t let valuable findings go unpublished. Nexus Expert Research helps you report all results with confidence.