Why Is There a Bias Towards Positive Results in Scientific

question 27

Multiple Choice

Why is there a bias towards positive results in scientific publications?

• A) because only studies that yield positive results are accepted by scientific journals
• B) because studies that yield positive results are better designed than those that yield negative results
• C) because studies always yield positive results
• D) because studies that yield positive results are more likely to be submitted for publication than studies that yield negative results

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Definitions:

Inborn Capacities

Natural abilities or talents that individuals are born with, not acquired through learning or experience.

Potentialities

The inherent capacities for growth, development, or coming into being, often yet to be realized or acted upon.

Big Five Traits

A model outlining five broad dimensions of human personality: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.

Facets

Specific and distinct features or aspects of something, often referring to the smaller surfaces of a cut gem or to elements of a complex topic.