In terms of research integrity, what does "bias" refer to?

Bias in the context of research integrity refers specifically to personal prejudice affecting conclusions. This means that if researchers allow their own beliefs, preferences, or outside influences to shape the outcomes or interpretations of their research, the results can become skewed and not accurately reflect the true findings. Bias can lead to distorted results, undermining the validity of the research and ultimately impacting the trustworthiness of scientific knowledge. Recognizing and mitigating bias is essential for maintaining integrity, credibility, and reliability in research studies.

Other options reflect different aspects of research integrity but do not define bias. For instance, a fair representation of study results indicates the goal of unbiased reporting rather than the actual presence of bias itself. A method for data verification is related to ensuring data accuracy but is not connected to the concept of bias. The process of peer review is a critical evaluation of research by other experts in the field, aiming to enhance research quality, but it does not encompass the definition of bias either.