What is the difference between repetition and replication of an investigation?

Repetition and replication are both important concepts in scientific investigations, but they serve different purposes and are conducted differently.

Repetition

• Definition: Repetition refers to conducting the same experiment multiple times by the same researcher or research team.
• Purpose: The primary goal is to ensure reliability and consistency of the results. By repeating the experiment, researchers can confirm that the results are consistent and not due to random chance or experimental error.
• Example: A scientist conducting the same chemical reaction multiple times under the same conditions to verify that the results are consistent.

Replication

• Definition: Replication involves conducting the same experiment by different researchers or research teams, often in different locations or with different equipment.
• Purpose: The aim is to validate the findings and ensure that they are universally applicable and not specific to a particular set of conditions or biases of the original researchers.
• Example: A different laboratory performing the same study on a new drug to confirm the original findings reported by the initial research team.

Final Answer

Repetition is the process of conducting the same experiment multiple times by the same researcher to ensure consistency, while replication involves different researchers conducting the same experiment to validate the findings and ensure their generalizability.