Non-reproducible

Non-reproducible describes something that cannot be replicated or repeated with consistent results. In scientific contexts, it refers to an experiment or finding that, when performed independently by other researchers or under different conditions, fails to yield the same outcomes. This lack of repeatability undermines the validity and reliability of the original work. The term can also be applied more broadly to any process, event, or phenomenon that is unique and cannot be reliably recreated or duplicated. This can be due to uncontrolled variables, inherent randomness, or dependence on specific, unrepeatable circumstances.

Non-reproducible meaning with examples

• The initial study's results were deemed non-reproducible. Attempts to replicate the experiment by different research teams failed to achieve the reported effect, casting doubt on the original study's methodology and findings. This ultimately highlighted a flaw in the original methods, leading to a call for better control in scientific studies. Such cases highlight the importance of open science and peer review for ensuring integrity.
• The historical event was considered non-reproducible. The precise confluence of political, social, and economic factors that led to the revolution were unique, making it impossible to stage a true re-enactment that mirrored the past. This impossibility underscores the complexity of human events. The lack of direct repeatability makes understanding the original events challenging to predict.
• The artist's spontaneous painting style led to a non-reproducible piece. While attempts could be made to mimic the brushstrokes and color palette, the emotional intensity and the inherent randomness of the process rendered the exact same artwork unattainable. This lack of true duplication is also a feature of other artistic mediums like live music.
• The software bug's behavior proved to be non-reproducible. Despite detailed analysis and debugging efforts, the developers couldn't consistently trigger the error, hindering their ability to fix the underlying cause. The issue came and went without any particular triggers, and only in a limited set of computers, this made its reproduction nearly impossible.
• The complex economic model generated a non-reproducible simulation. Slight variations in the initial input parameters caused dramatically different outcomes, making it unreliable for predicting future market behavior. This model lacked the ability to create the right data. This unreliability forced the team to abandon their project.