What does bias in research refer to?

Bias in research refers to a preference or point of view that is personal, which can affect the objectivity of the study. When researchers have a bias, it can influence the way they design the study, interpret data, or report results. This personal inclination may stem from various sources, such as previous experiences, cultural influences, or expectations about what outcomes should be seen.

Bias can lead to significant inaccuracies in research findings, as it can skew how information is gathered or analyzed. For instance, if a researcher has a particular belief about a treatment's effectiveness, they may unconsciously favor results that support that belief while dismissing evidence to the contrary. Recognizing and controlling for bias is crucial in research to ensure that findings are valid, reliable, and representative of the true situation being studied.

The other options refer to different concepts. Irregularities in measurement tools relate to instrument reliability and validity, while systematic errors in data analysis pertain to errors that arise consistently due to methodological flaws. Variability in test scores deals with the distribution of scores and does not imply bias but rather reflects differences in performance or measurement.