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
upon[1]. 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 understanding[2]. 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 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
research[3]. 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 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.
Bibliography
Ioannidis,
John PA. "Why most published research findings are false." PLoS
medicine 2, no. 8 (2005): e124.
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