Data Analysis Points to Fraud in Dan Ariely's 2002 Procrastination Study
Researchers Kyle Hyndman and Alberto Bisin obtained original data files from Dan Ariely and Klaus Wertenbroch's widely cited 2002 study on deadlines and self-control, and their attempt to replicate the study's second experiment failed. Their forthcoming Psychological Science paper, prompted by editors to share findings with Ariely, notes he denied permission to include their analysis and questioned whether the files were genuine data.
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The original study has been cited over 2,100 times and taught widely in economics and psychology courses, meaning flawed or fabricated results may have shaped both academic understanding and real-world advice on productivity. This adds to a growing pattern of scrutiny over Ariely's research integrity following prior fraud allegations and a defamation lawsuit he filed against critics.
- A failed replication challenges a foundational 2002 study on deadlines and procrastination by Ariely and Wertenbroch.
- Ariely denied researchers permission to publish their data analysis, questioning the authenticity of the files.
- The case adds to mounting concerns about data integrity in Ariely's body of published research.
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Published there as: “Evidence of Fraud in an Influential Study About Procrastination”
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