One of the most complex aspects of qualitative research is the ontological idea that researchers must adapt to the multiple realities of those being researched as well as those who consume the research. As we know, especially in research, there is really not a "one size fits all" approach that works.
Bias is part of human life whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. Bias contributes to our interpretation of the world, of others and of research. As a researcher, identifying this bias is crucial in helping us to define and better understand ourselves when presenting our research to others.
While collecting the Pinterest items, I found that my team came across some incredibly powerful tools in the areas of positive results bias, egocentric bias, projection bias, and confirmation bias. In reviewing these items, the bias suggests a sort of hybrid ignorance-selfishness that exists within all of us and a tendency to hide behind this "flaw"or perhaps this "reality." Now, some argue that humans are naturally selfish, but others claim that this is a social norm which could be a learned behavior.
Bias has also led to some bad research results which has led to negative publicity in the press. Bad press on research bias can then further entrench our individual bias which affects the validity and applicability of the results. Known examples of this include extremely well-known and large pharmaceutical companies paying large sums of money to researchers to cover up unfavorable data to find significant data correlation even when the data should be more inconclusive. This now becomes an issue of ethics, morality and requires us, as researchers, to honestly reflect our values and biases in order to be most effective.
When selecting the best research approach, we must consider the bias that exists within us and within our research subjects. As a researcher, I continue to wonder if it is possible to generate universally accepted findings or if my results will always be subjectively interpreted? What tools exist to develop a bias inventory?
Hi Matt,
ReplyDeleteYour post about bias is right in place. The question then becomes what do we as researchers do to eliminate such behavior that is so entrenched in the human system? Will Lewin's assertion about solving the human's conditions as a remedy to addressing social conditions (in organization specifically) be the solution or must we look from within to address this inextricably human's problem of bias?
Jesse
Hi Matt,
ReplyDeleteYour post about bias is right in place. The question then becomes what do we as researchers do to eliminate such behavior that is so entrenched in the human system? Will Lewin's assertion about solving the human's conditions as a remedy to addressing social conditions (in organization specifically) be the solution or must we look from within to address this inextricably human's problem of bias?
Jesse
Hi Matt,
ReplyDeleteI like your post about research bias. It is true that in qualitative research, bias affects the validity and reliability of findings, and consequently affects business decisions. Bias distorts truth. Bias slants and skews data in qualitative research. Therefore in research, bias is inevitable. All we need is to recognize bias and reduce it, or at least be aware of it.
Hello Matt
ReplyDeleteWonderful post on “Unavoidable Bias research” regarding there is really not a "one size fits all" approach that works. So many unique avenues one may explore with totally different outcomes, or yet similar variables and end result(s). An article I recently read included:
Biased Reporting
Moderators and analysts sometimes produce bias when reporting the results of qualitative research.
They can’t help it. Keeping an open mind requires extraordinary discipline.
Experiences, beliefs, feelings, wishes, attitudes, culture, views, state of mind, reference, error, and personality can bias analysis and reporting.
The conscious and subconscious are at work. Moderators and analysts are human.
Strive for objectivity as best you can. Keep your mind open.
More than one analyst helps. Get a couple of people to analyze the data. You’ll get different perspectives. If you subconsciously skew reporting, another analyst may spot it.
Reduce Bias in Qualitative Research
Bias distorts results, and affects decisions.
In qualitative research, reduce bias whenever you can.
Last, in qualitative research, bias affects the validity and reliability of findings, and consequently affects business decisions. That said, you mentioned “Known examples of this include extremely well-known and large pharmaceutical companies paying large sums of money to researchers to cover up unfavorable data to find significant data correlation even when the data should be more inconclusive. Yes, unfortunately I’ve seen this unethical behavior all too often. However, on the flip side, some of us are trained to recognize this unfavorable data and behavior that hopefully will warrant consequences.
Hi, Matt,
ReplyDeleteYour blog truly paralleled some thoughts I had about bias as well. I liked where you brought up issues of ethics and morality stemming from research bias. Growing up it seemed ethics and morality was pretty clear - most everything was taught in "black in white" ie. lying is wrong, being honest is right. While my personal bias is that ethics and morality are clear-cut in many ways, I am amazed how much "gray" space there is out there, and moreover, how often the "gray" space is pushed to increase its size.
At first I thought that simply recognizing your biases would help decrease research bias. But, after deeper thinking how would I recognize my unconscious biases, and that assumes I feel something is actually biased!
I wish I had the answer to this issue, I hope that further education and experience will help determine a clear solution.
Thank you!
Nicely written statement and comment on an important topic. Every time we do research we need to pay attention to where and how bias can get in and how we may be able to control fro it.
ReplyDelete