Which of the following is true about conflicts of interest?

Conflicts of interest are situations where an individual's personal interests or relationships could potentially influence their professional actions or decisions, particularly in the context of research. The statement that conflicts of interest increase the likelihood of bias underscores the idea that when researchers have competing interests, their ability to remain objective and impartial can be compromised. For example, if a researcher stands to gain financially from a particular outcome of their study, they may unconsciously or consciously skew their research methods or interpretations to favor that outcome, leading to biased results.

Understanding that conflicts of interest can lead to bias emphasizes the importance of transparency and disclosure in research. Researchers are encouraged to disclose any potential conflicts so that the validity of their work can be accurately assessed by others in the scientific community. This principle is a fundamental aspect of responsible conduct in research, ensuring that findings are credible and can be trusted by society.