Identify and explain a source of bias in the study described. Then suggest how the bias might have been avoided.
-A popular news source published an article that included these statements: "Ethanol--the renewable, clean Source of fuel that will break our country's ties to foreign oil for good! Several studies, reported in a reputable Journal of science and technology, showed that, when burned, Ethanol released fewer toxic chemicals than Petroleum-based fuels. The Farmers Association financed much of the research."
A)Because Ethanol is made from corn and much of the funding was provided by the Farmers Association, the researchers may have been more inclined to provide favorable results. The bias could have been
Avoided if the researchers had not been paid by this group.
B)Because much of the funding was provided by a private agency and not a governmental one, the researchers may have been more inclined to show the petroleum industry in an unfavorable light. The bias
Could have been avoided if the research had not been paid for privately.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The bias stems from the funding source, the Farmers Association, which benefits from positive findings about ethanol, a product made from corn. This financial relationship could influence the research outcome. To avoid this bias, funding could come from an independent source with no vested interest in the study's findings.

Identify and Explain a Source of Bias in the Study