Essay On Evaluating Bias In Research

Introduction to Sociology

Definition of the topic is the first step that is involved in the research guide of the students. Understanding the assignment, getting an overview, and listing the keywords of the research are the definition of the topic. In defining the topic, the objective of the assignment is understood; the topic is overviewed by the sources such as journals, and text books. Keywords such as the people, issues, and places are listed while defining the topic. In the research industry, the possibility of the bias increases with the increase in the impact of the research. There are various biases and assumptions associated with the research in the drug industry, such as the money that is invested in the experiments assists in discovering the cures of many diseases, but the major objective of this investment is only the public health, the motives of getting high profits are also associated with them. Such motives have resulted in the serious and dangerous impacts on the drug industry and health of people.
Considering the examples of Anadia, and Vioxx, which are remarkably known drugs have pointed out towards the fact that the companies had conducted their research in such a manner that I helped in covering all the harmful side effects (Whoriskey, 2012).Further, the editors of the journals have described that the authors have not declared major consequences such as heart diseases, which paved the way to the confusing conclusion about the safety of the drugs.
Moreover, the corporate bias is also noteworthy in this regard. The research that is sponsored by the non-profit organizations and government contain less errors and bias as compared to the research that is conducted by the industry. The organizations have taken the task of conducting experiments from the non-profit academic hospitals and assigned it to the for-profit companies. The critics are of the view that this act has decreased the possibility of challenging the bias. They consider that the academics have played a significant role in the quality, accuracy, and trials. But, because of the increase in the economic pressure, the performance of the academics is badly affected.
Moreover, the authors hide their commercial relations. The peer review can help in revealing the commercial associations.
As a consumer, my personal bias on the influence of the research industry over the research is that the drug industry is just conducting the research for its own motives and to attain profitability. They are not conducting proper research over the advantages and disadvantages of the chemicals or substances that are used on the manufacturing of the drugs, as a result of which people are becoming victim of many diseases and even death. Further, the drug industry is favoring those clinical studies that facilitate them with the positive conclusion regarding their product. The industry is using lower comparators having biased results that are not allowing to arrive at a definite conclusion. The studies sponsored by the drug industry do not show any inaccuracy and dishonesty. In my personal opinion, the review by the peers, regulatory agencies, and the editors of the journals can play a significant role checking the clinical studies, medications, and comparators. Further, they can help preventing the doubtful conclusions, and in eliminating the bias from the research to a greater extent, and make it possible to deliver a harmless medicine with accurate information.

References

Whoriskey, P. (2012). As drug industry’s influence over research grows, so does the potential for bias. The Washington Post. Retrieved from:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/as-drug-industrys-influence-over-research-grows-so-does-the-potential-for-bias/2012/11/24/bb64d596-1264-11e2-be82-c3411b7680a9_story.html