Researcher bias may lead to which of the following?

Researcher bias refers to the tendency of researchers to let their personal beliefs, preferences, or expectations influence the data collection, analysis, and interpretation process. This bias can lead to selective interpretation of data, where the researcher may unintentionally favor results that align with their pre-existing views while overlooking or downplaying conflicting data. As a result, the validity of the research findings can be compromised, meaning that the conclusions drawn may not accurately reflect the reality being studied.

This selective interpretation impacts the validity of the research by producing a skewed understanding of the data, which can mislead other researchers, policymakers, or practitioners who rely on the findings. Objectivity is crucial in sociological research, as it ensures that the conclusions reached are based solely on the evidence collected rather than the researcher's subjective views. In contrast, comprehensive findings, adherence to ethical standards, and stronger conclusions typically result from minimizing bias rather than being influenced by it.