What does publication bias refer to?

Publication bias refers to the tendency of journals and researchers to favor publishing results that are positive or show significant findings, while studies that report negative or non-significant results may be overlooked or unpublished. This phenomenon can significantly distort the overall understanding of a research area, as the body of literature then reflects an unbalanced view, predominantly showcasing successful outcomes while ignoring failures or null results.

Understanding this bias is crucial in the field of biomedical engineering and other scientific disciplines because it can lead to misconceptions about the efficacy of treatments, interventions, or technologies. If only studies with positive findings are considered, it can skew the perception of what works and what does not, ultimately impacting clinical decisions, funding, and future research directions. Recognizing the existence of publication bias is essential for researchers and practitioners to promote transparency and integrity within scientific literature.