Bias is any predisposition that inhibits unprejudiced consideration for a research question. In research, a bias happens when an error is introduced into the sampling system or when testing an outcome over a study. After reading the article and watching the video, it is notable that while atrazine may be a problem, the differences in the results between the two research groups are misleading. Thus, bias in research, other than atrazine, is the problem in this case.
In the two studies done to determine the effect of atrazine on the male gonads and the development of African clawed frogs, the results are not only contradicting, but also exaggerated. According to the YouTube video uploaded by Ben Goldacre, industry-funded trials are four times likely to have flattering results than individual funded results (Goldacre, 2011). Researchers are biased when conducting studies by giving results that will only fit their interest. Evidence of exaggeration in the results include the fact that all of them meet the proposed thesis. For instance, ‘the effects on the male gonads described in all of these experimental studies occurred only after atrazine exposure’ (Tyrone, 2011). Thus, the results are exaggerated.
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Secondly, there is a difference in results on the effect of atrazine in mammals, reptiles and amphibians for two separate tests. Research conducted by Tyrone et al. (2011), shows that atrazine demasculinizes the male gonads producing testicular lesions that are allied to the reduced germ cell numbers in reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and fish. On the other hand, a study done by Louis et al. (2008) reveals that atrazine does not alter the development of frogs since they were not affected during the metamorphosis process. The sex ratios on the hatched frogs did not differ indicating that atrazine cannot feminize the gonad cells. Therefore, while different approaches may have been used, the difference in results on the effect of atrazine in mammals, reptiles, and amphibians was as a result of bias from the researchers. Notably, different testing approaches could have been considered, allowing for more peer reviewed sensible comparisons.
References
DuPreez, L., Kunene, L., Everson, G., Carr, J., Giesy, P., Gros, T., & Hosmer, A. (2008). Reproduction, larval growth, and reproductive development in African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) exposed to atrazine. Retrieved from https://www-sciencedirect-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/science/article/pii/S0045653507012258
Goldacre, B. (2011, September 29). Ben Goldacre: Battling Bad Science [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4MhbkWJzKk
Tyrone, H., Anderson, L., Baesley, V., & Shane, S. (2011). Demasculinization and feminization of male gonads by atrazine: Consistent effects across vertebrate classes. Retrieved from https://www-sciencedirect-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/science/article/pii/S0960076011000665
