About Becky's Blog on Academia's Bias

This blog explores the structural, social, and methodological dynamics that influence scientific practice. It investigates where genuine inquiry falters, how external pressures shape research priorities, and why some questions remain unexplored — all with an eye toward insight, rigor, and societal relevance.

 

Treated issues:

External Pressures

Ivory Tower & Public Image

Science stages itself: prestige, rankings, and public perception matter. Many researchers adapt to fit the system – which endangers not only the advancement of knowledge but also research quality. The central question remains: what does research truly contribute to society?

Trends & Fads

Rather than pursuing their own questions, many follow current hype. Here too, research quality suffers: resources and attention are directed toward fashionable topics, while relevant insights often remain undiscovered.

Funding Dependence

Those who finance research indirectly influence which questions get asked. Often, external funders set priorities that do not always align with societal relevance or methodological rigor. Again, research quality remains a key concern.

Internal Blockages

Gatekeeping & Career Logic

Publication pressure, peer review, and institutional hierarchies reward conformity. Those who do not comply are left out. Groupthink quietly reinforces this effect, perpetuating established norms – no matter how questionable they may be.

Methodological Shortcuts & the Replication Crisis

Many researchers follow routines or tutorials without critical reflection. Weak designs, p-hacking, and lack of replicability shake confidence in results, highlighting the urgent need for a reflective approach to scientific methods.

An Invitation to Curious Minds

This space is for the curious — for readers who care about how ideas take shape, why science sometimes loses its way, and what it means to search for truth with integrity. Whether you work in research, policy, education, or simply follow your own questions: welcome.



Disclaimer

This site is independent, non-commercial, non-political, and non-religious. It does not represent any institution or academic affiliation.

Its focus lies in the critical examination of how research is conducted — including the use and interpretation of theories and well-established methods. In addition, it addresses structural conditions that may distort or limit scientific inquiry, such as institutional constraints, time pressure, hierarchical dependencies, and publication demands.

The goal of "Becky's Blog on Academia’s Bias" is not to promote specific alternatives, but to foster reflection on the underlying assumptions and working conditions of scientific practice.

This blog owes much to the quiet but powerful influence of HBS Puar – a friend and thinker whose work has not yet taken digital form, but whose ideas resonate between the lines.

Hosted by Rebekka Brandt. For inquiries, feedback or connection, feel free to use the opportunities below or on the contact page.

Rebekka Brandt studied Educational Science (subjects:  philosophy and psychology) at University of Augsburg. Through independent writing and research (fields: philosophy of science and social group dynamics), she investigates the hidden patterns and assumptions in scientific practice, aiming to bridge reflection, insight, and societal relevance.