Identifying and avoiding bias in research

Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010 Aug;126(2):619-625. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181de24bc.

Abstract

This narrative review provides an overview on the topic of bias as part of a series of articles in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery on evidence-based medicine. Bias can occur in the planning, data collection, analysis, and publication phases of research. Understanding research bias allows readers to critically and independently review the scientific literature and avoid treatments that are suboptimal or potentially harmful. A thorough understanding of bias and how it affects study results is essential for the practice of evidence-based medicine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bias*
  • Biomedical Research / standards*
  • Biomedical Research / trends
  • Clinical Trials as Topic / standards*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / standards
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / trends
  • Publication Bias / statistics & numerical data
  • Surgery, Plastic / standards
  • Surgery, Plastic / trends
  • United States