Contents
What is the effect of publication bias?
Impact on meta-analysis Where publication bias is present, published studies are no longer a representative sample of the available evidence. This bias distorts the results of meta-analyses and systematic reviews. For example, evidence-based medicine is increasingly reliant on meta-analysis to assess evidence.
What causes publication bias?
Research has shown causes of publication bias ranging from trialist motivation, past experience, and competing commitments; perceived or real lack of interest in results from editors, reviewers or other colleagues; or conflicts of interest that would lead to the suppression of results not aligned with a specific agenda …
How does publication bias affect a research paper?
Researchers are more likely to cite positive study results than negative study results. If you come across negative results related to your study, be sure to mention them in your paper. Do not cite studies that only support your own results, as this could lead peer reviewers to suspect bias.
How to avoid the wrong sample size bias?
To prevent wrong sample size bias, when designing studies, it is essential that statistical advice is sought. When interpreting results, do not be persuaded purely by large numbers and small confidence intervals: consider rational explanations for the observed findings, and the relevance of the effect size observed.
How can negative results help counter publication bias?
Point out that your negative results could help counter publication bias12 (in fact, there are now journals that exclusively publish negative results13) and specify the outcome or views that your study can potentially change. Studies with positive findings are likely to be published faster than studies with negative findings.
How are study sponsors and reporting biases impact research?
Study sponsors or funding sources may be biased towards results that favor their interests; it has been found that sponsors may withhold the publication of unfavorable results and that industry-funded studies have led to positive results far more often than studies that are funded or conducted by independent agencies.5,6