Bias in Medical Research Article Analysis

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Introduction

Over the years, different research projects have been conducted by experts that are skilled

in diverse issues that affect the society in all its social, economic and political aspects. These

research projects are meant to educate the public about the different problems that exist.

However, some scholars have argued that public research findings have at times been found to be

biased and they do not give the complete facts concerning the research issues. Therefore, the

purpose of this project is to provide a compelling analysis of how bias and statistical

manipulation have resulted in flawed medical studies as stated in the article in question.

Discussion

The main point expressed in this article is that many public research findings are false or

biased in some ways. The author of the article, John Loannidis, has cited different reasons as to

why he believes that the results of some research projects cannot be relied upon1. One of the

primary reasons is that numerous teams conduct research concerning specific issues yet attention

is given to the findings of one group and those results are presented with a unilateral

understanding2. As such, no considerations are provided to the findings of other research teams,

and no one tries to assess all the research findings of all research teams.

The article has provided some accurate insights as to how bias and statistical

manipulation have resulted in flawed medical studies. Some of the methods used in refutation of

research findings include traditional epidemiological studies, modern molecular research, and

clinical trials. Generally, the article provides evidence supporting the motion of how there biased

and false research findings concerning the field of medicine. One gets a clear understanding as to

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ibid
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Ioannidis, John PA. "Why most published research findings are false." PLoS medicine 2, no. 8
(2005): e124.
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how some findings are invalid because the article provides various analysis, designs, data and

presentations factors that result in the production of false research findings.

The article relates to what I have learned in class about experimental research in different

aspects that concern research findings. In class, students are educated about strengthening the

possibility of having accurate measurements concerning research topics through laboratory

experiments, natural experiments, and field tests. In the article, the author gives a discussion

about the credibility of the research findings concerning the field of medicine and the processes

followed in the research projects. My beliefs and attitudes towards the quality and accuracy of

research studies findings published in professional journals have been questioned after reading

this article. I now doubt the accuracy and efficiency of public research findings.

This is because the author of the article in question has provided somewhat sufficient

evidence to support his arguments that bias and statistical manipulation have resulted in flawed

medical studies. For instance, the author has cited an example of how a PPV of 50% was gotten

even though it is difficult, which means there are 85% chances of the findings being true given

that there was an adequate and well-conducted research3. Nevertheless, the above example of

research findings is quite rare, and other researchers should emulate it. Such an explanation has

shifted my beliefs and attitudes into doubting the credibility and accuracy of public research

findings in the field of medicine.

Conclusion

The author has explained that it is impossible to achieve 100% accuracy in research

findings. However, he has mentioned some recommendations that may rectify the issue of

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Ioannidis, John PA. "Why most published research findings are false." PLoS medicine 2, no. 8
(2005): e124.
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having bias and statistical manipulation that result in flawed medical studies. The author has

recommended the use of extensive studies with less bias scrutiny, and experts should total the

results of all research teams instead of focusing on one. Additionally, investigators should have

discussions before engaging in experiments to ensure they have accurate research methods and

reliable findings in the end. Given that all these recommendations have their demerits I do not

entirely believe that they will rectify the situation. Nonetheless, they are worth a try.
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Bibliography

Ioannidis, John PA. "Why most published research findings are false." PLoS medicine 2, no. 8

(2005): e124.