What constitutes "research bias"?

Research bias refers to a systematic inclination that influences the results or interpretation of a study, leading to a departure from the true outcome or effect being studied. This can occur at various stages of research, including study design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Understanding bias is crucial because it can significantly affect the validity and reliability of research findings. For instance, if a study is designed in a way that favours certain outcomes or if there is a selection bias in choosing participants, the conclusions drawn from that research may not accurately reflect reality.

In contrast, methods for selecting participants randomly, strict adherence to methodology, or employing techniques to ensure objectivity are all strategies that aim to minimize bias rather than define it. Random selection helps in achieving a representative sample, adherence to methodology strengthens the validity of the study, and techniques for objectivity (like blinding) are safeguards against bias. However, they do not encapsulate the essence of what research bias is.