File Drawer Problem
The "File Drawer Problem" refers to a bias in research publication where studies with negative or inconclusive results are less likely to be published. Researchers may submit their findings to journals, but if the results do not support a hypothesis, they might end up in a metaphorical "file drawer" instead of being shared with the scientific community. This can lead to a skewed understanding of a topic, as only positive results are widely disseminated.
This issue can affect the reliability of meta-analyses and systematic reviews, which rely on published studies to draw conclusions. As a result, the true effectiveness of interventions, such as those in psychology or medicine, may be misrepresented, potentially impacting policy decisions and clinical practices.