Evaluating Bias in Research

Evaluating Bias in Research
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Evaluating Bias in Research
First Step in the Student’s Guide to Research
The first step in the student’s guide to research involves the definition of the student’s topic of interest. The student needs to understand his or her assignment by getting an overview of the topic from general reference materials like encyclopedias, books, and dictionaries. The student can also begin by listing the keywords for searches that may include names, ideas, people, places, issues, and so on.
First Step of Research
The first step of research simply refers to the stage at which an individual or a researcher identifies his or her purpose of wanting to pursue a certain research. It involves determining the problem under study and defining the specific questions that should be answered by the research. It is the core of the whole research process as it acts as a guideline.
Major Assumptions and Bias
The drug industry is characterized by a lot of assumptions and bias related to drug research. According to Whoriskey (2012), over the past, most drug-related research has been conducted by people who are in one way or another connected to the company sponsoring the same research. It has been known that most companies hire their employees and other affiliated corporates to carry out drug research. Therefore, there is a high probability that these individuals will give biased views that are mostly aimed at favoring the company. The GlaxoSmithKline is an example of a company that is believed to have been biased in its Avandia drug research.

Personal Bias
As a consumer, I believe that most of these drug companies are geared towards profit and would do anything to make sure that their drugs sell in the market. Companies should not be allowed to conduct research but rather this should the responsibility of the government. As long as drug companies are allowed to control the drug research process, there is a likelihood that consumers will have inadequate information about the quality of these drugs.

Reference
Whoriskey, P. (2012). As drug industry’s influence over research grows, so does the potential for bias. Washington Post, November, 24.