Describing something that cannot be replicated or reproduced reliably. This applies to experiments, results, data, or processes where attempts to repeat them under identical or closely similar conditions yield inconsistent or disparate outcomes. Factors contributing to nonreproducibility can include subtle variations in experimental setup, uncontrolled variables, subjectivity in observations, or inherent stochasticity in the system being studied. It highlights a lack of robustness and generalizability.
Nonreproducible meaning with examples
- The initial findings of the study were exciting, but after several attempts, the researchers found the results to be nonreproducible, likely due to undetected biases in the original experimental design. This prompted a thorough reevaluation of the methodology before further exploration.
- In this complex chemical reaction, the yield fluctuated significantly between trials. Despite careful attention to detail, the results were nonreproducible. After investigation, it was determined trace contaminants were the primary cause for inconsistent outcomes.
- The art critic declared the artist's earlier work, produced under unique personal circumstances, to be nonreproducible, because his later work was considered to be a copy of the original, with a diminishing effect on quality.
- The software bug was reported to the development team, but it proved to be nonreproducible, occurring sporadically only under very specific and unusual user behaviors, frustrating efforts to identify and correct its root cause.