What causes publication bias?

What causes publication bias in research studies?

Publication bias occurs when the outcomes of research studies influence their likelihood of being published. Positive results are more likely to be published than negative or inconclusive ones.

Why is it a problem for scientific research?

It skews the scientific literature, leading to an overestimation of treatment effects and misinforming policy and practice.

How can researchers minimize publication bias?

Researchers can pre-register their studies, publish all results regardless of outcome, and promote transparency in research.

Are there any examples of publication bias in recent studies?

Yes, there have been notable cases in fields like psychology and medicine where only positive results were published, affecting meta-analyses.