How do biases affect research outcomes?

Biases can significantly impact research outcomes by leading to invalid conclusions. When researchers allow their personal biases, assumptions, or preferences to influence their study design, data collection, or analysis, the integrity of the research can be compromised. Such biases can skew results, misinterpret data, or selectively report findings, ultimately resulting in conclusions that do not accurately reflect the truth or the actual relationships present in the data.

For example, confirmation bias might lead a researcher to focus more on data that supports their hypothesis while overlooking contradictory evidence. This can mislead not only the researchers themselves but also others relying on those findings for further research, policy decisions, or applications.

The other options presented do not accurately represent the effects of biases in research. Biases do not improve accuracy; rather, they threaten it by introducing systematic errors. Moreover, it is not accurate to say that biases have no impact on research, as they can permeate both qualitative and quantitative studies, thus affecting the validity of both types of research.