What are the effects of publication bias in research?

What are the effects of publication bias in research?

Publication bias occurs when the results of studies influence whether they are published. This can lead to a skewed understanding of a topic.

Can you give me examples of how publication bias affects scientific literature?

Sure! For instance, studies with positive results are more likely to be published, while negative or inconclusive results may be ignored, leading to an overestimation of treatment effects.

How can researchers mitigate publication bias?

Researchers can pre-register their studies, publish all results regardless of outcome, and promote open access to data to help reduce publication bias.

What are the long-term consequences of publication bias?

Long-term consequences include misinformed clinical practices, wasted resources on ineffective treatments, and a lack of trust in scientific research.