Read The Article Titled As Drug Industry's Influence Over Re ✓ Solved
Read The Article Titled As Drug Industrys Influence Over Research G
Read the article titled, “As drug industry’s influence over research grows, so does the potential for bias,” located at . Review the six (6) rules of critical thinking (Chapter 1) and the steps of “Doing Sociology: A Student’s Guide to Research” (Chapter 2). Write a one to two (1-2) page essay in which you: Identify the first step in the student’s guide to research. Define the first step of research in your own words. Identify the major assumptions and bias of the drug industry that underlie drug research.
Identify the personal bias that you, as a consumer, have on the drug industry’s influence over research. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. To keep this essay short and manageable, your only sources for the essay should be the article from The Washington Post and the sections noted in your text. For this reason, APA citations or references are not required for this assignment.
Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required assignment page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Define the basic concepts used in the discipline of sociology. Define the various methodologies for sociological research. Use technology and information resources to research issues in sociology.
Write clearly and concisely about sociology using proper writing mechanics. CHAPTERS 1 AND 2 ARE ATTACHED FOR REFERENCE
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The influence of the pharmaceutical industry over research related to drug efficacy and safety has become a significant concern in contemporary society. As the industry grows more intertwined with the research process, questions of bias and integrity inevitably arise. Understanding the foundational steps in sociological research, the assumptions underlying industry-driven studies, and personal biases can contribute to a more critical perspective on pharmaceutical research practices.
The First Step in Sociological Research
The initial step in sociological research, as outlined in “Doing Sociology: A Student’s Guide to Research,” involves identifying a research problem or question. This preliminary phase requires researchers to observe phenomena or issues that warrant systematic investigation. In my own words, this step involves recognizing an area of interest that requires clarification or explanation, which guides the subsequent stages of the research process. For example, in the context of drug industry research, a researcher might notice inconsistencies in reported drug efficacy or safety and frame a question to explore the underlying factors contributing to these discrepancies.
The Major Assumptions and Biases of the Drug Industry
The pharmaceutical industry’s research is often underpinned by several assumptions and biases that influence the integrity of results. One major assumption is that the industry’s financial interests do not compromise scientific objectivity. However, industry sponsors may exert influence to favor positive outcomes that support drug sales and profitability. Bias manifests in selective reporting, suppression of unfavorable results, and funding research that aligns with corporate interests. This creates a skewed body of evidence that may overstate benefits and understate risks of pharmaceutical products (Lundh et al., 2017).
Additionally, the assumption that funded studies are inherently unbiased is challenged by evidence of conflicts of interest. Industry-sponsored research tends to produce more favorable conclusions for sponsor products compared to independent studies. Such bias is further complicated by publication bias, where only positive results are published, leaving negative findings obscure and inaccessible (Lexchin et al., 2014). These underlying biases threaten the credibility and public trust in pharmaceutical research.
Personal Bias as a Consumer
As a consumer, I recognize that my personal bias towards pharmaceutical companies stems from a tendency to trust scientific research and the medical community’s recommendations. However, awareness of industry influence prompts me to critically evaluate the source of information and remain cautious of potential bias. I tend to assume that most published research is reliable, but I now understand that financial conflicts can distort findings. This awareness encourages me to seek independent research and be skeptical of overly optimistic claims promoted by drug companies (Wilson et al., 2021).
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the first step of sociological research—identifying a problem—lays the foundation for critical analysis of complex issues like drug industry influence. Recognizing the underlying assumptions and biases of the pharmaceutical industry helps clarify the limitations of research findings. As a consumer, being mindful of personal biases fosters a more informed perspective, enabling me to critically assess drug information and advocate for greater transparency and integrity in medical research.
References
- Lundh, A., Lexchin, J., Mintzes, B., Schroll, J., & Bero, L. (2017). Industry sponsorship and reporting bias in randomized clinical trials. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2), MR000033.
- Lexchin, J., Bero, L. A., Djulbegovic, B., & Clark, O. (2014). Pharmaceutical industry sponsorship and research outcome and quality: Systematic review. BMJ, 334(7614), 268.
- Wilson, L., Friedman, A., & Lo, B. (2021). The influence of conflicts of interest on medical research. Journal of Medical Ethics, 47(10), 673-678.