Which of the following describes how bias can influence research results?

Bias can significantly influence research results by leading researchers to favor certain outcomes. This bias can manifest in various ways, such as through the selection of data, the interpretation of results, or even the framing of research questions. When researchers have a preconceived notion of what they expect to find, they may unconsciously prioritize data that supports those expectations while disregarding or downplaying information that contradicts them. This can result in skewed conclusions that do not accurately reflect the true state of the subject being studied.

In contrast, the other options describe positive aspects of research or outcomes that would not typically occur as a result of bias. For example, accurate data collection and objective analysis are crucial for reliable results, but bias undermines these processes rather than supports them. Additionally, bias does not contribute to improving the quality of hypotheses; rather, it can distort the research focus and lead to flawed conclusions. Accordingly, understanding how bias operates is critical for ensuring the integrity of research findings.