Journal Theory Mandates Distort Science

Top journals often demand that every paper 'advance theory,' which nudges researchers to over‑interpret shaky findings and retrofit results to sweeping frameworks. This incentive structure fuels confirmation bias and prematurely canonizes elegant but fragile theories. Valuing careful descriptive studies and replications would slow this 'theory gold rush' and improve reliability. — Reforming editorial incentives could reduce policy built on weak social‑science claims and restore credibility in evidence used by courts, schools, and HR.