What Are the Consequences of Observer Bias in Cancer Research?
The implications of observer bias in cancer research are profound. Misleading results can lead to:
False Positives: Overdiagnosis can result in patients undergoing unnecessary treatments, which can cause physical and emotional harm. False Negatives: Underdiagnosis means that some patients might not receive the treatment they need, leading to worse outcomes. Resource Misallocation: Funds and efforts might be directed towards ineffective treatments, diverting resources away from more promising research. Loss of Trust: Repeated instances of bias can lead to a loss of trust in scientific research and medical recommendations.
