Evidence-Based Medicine · Pharmacology

Publication bias occurs when:

  1. Journals publish studies regardless of the direction of results
  2. Studies with negative results are less likely to be published
  3. Randomization is poorly conducted in a trial
  4. Patients withdraw from trials before completion
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Correct answer: Studies with negative results are less likely to be published

Publication bias refers to the tendency for studies with positive results to be published more frequently than those with negative findings. This skews the available evidence base. It may exaggerate perceived treatment benefits.

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