Describe "conflict of interest" in research.

A "conflict of interest" in research refers to a situation where a researcher’s personal interests may inadvertently or intentionally influence their professional judgment or actions. This could encompass financial interests, personal relationships, or any other interests outside of the research itself that might compromise the integrity, objectivity, or reliability of the research outcomes. For instance, if a researcher stands to gain financially from the results of their study, this could affect their interpretation of data or reporting of findings, leading to bias.

In contrast, collaborating with different institutions, having multiple funding sources, or working with external experts are practices that are common in research but do not inherently represent a conflict of interest. While they can introduce complexities that require management, they do not necessarily indicate that personal interests are influencing professional judgment in any unethical manner. Recognizing and managing conflicts of interest is essential to uphold the integrity and ethical standards of research.