Psychology A-Level
publication bias
What publication bias means in Psychology A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of publication bias
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain publication bias in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
A bias toward significant results which leaves the file drawer full of non-significant studies, so the published literature looks stronger than the evidence actually is.
Topics that use publication bias
- Report writing (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Harvard convention
- in-text citation
- replication crisis
- research funding
- results without interpretation
- validation of new knowledge
- appendices and raw data
- method sub-sections
Using publication bias in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
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