Metascience refers to the study of science itself, rather than the specific content or findings of scientific research. It encompasses the examination of the methods, processes, and practices used in scientific inquiry, as well as the social, political, and economic factors that influence scientific research.

Metascience can be thought of as a "science of science," focused on understanding the nature of scientific inquiry, its limitations, and its relationship to other aspects of society. It involves analyzing the methods and tools used by scientists, assessing the validity and reliability of scientific research, and exploring the role of scientific knowledge in society and policymaking.

The field of metascience draws on a variety of disciplines, including philosophy of science, sociology of science, history of science, and psychology of science, among others. It seeks to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different scientific approaches and to improve the quality and impact of scientific research by identifying areas for improvement.

Examples of topics within metascience include reproducibility and replicability of scientific results, the relationship between scientific research and policy decisions, the influence of funding and publication incentives on scientific inquiry, and the role of scientific communication in shaping public understanding of science.