What does expectation bias influence in an experiment?

Expectation bias refers to the phenomenon where a researcher's expectations or beliefs about the outcome of an experiment influence the results. This bias can lead to the data being interpreted in a way that aligns with what the researcher anticipated rather than what was objectively observed.

In the context of the question, expectation bias directly impacts the outcomes based on the anticipated findings. For instance, if researchers expect a certain effect or result, they may unintentionally favor data that supports their hypothesis or overlook data that contradicts it. This can skew the results, leading to conclusions that may not accurately reflect reality.

Understanding expectation bias is crucial for maintaining the integrity of research findings because it highlights the importance of objectivity and the potential pitfalls of subjective influence in experimental research. This understanding helps researchers to design studies that minimize bias and yield more reliable and valid conclusions.