CJUS 745- DiscussionForum2-Reply2

Reply must be at least 200-300 words. For each thread, you must support your assertions with at least 2 citations from sources such as your textbook, peer-reviewed journal articles, and the Bible. 

Field, A. P. (2018). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics (5th ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Sage.

**Justin**

Research, Bias and Objective Truth: A Biblical and Professional Perspective

Research that is conducted should remain unbiased and objective in nature. This statement is targeted towards research in academia and professional fields. The quality of information and data that is represented should reflect objectivity, transparency, and without bias. Bias behavior and influence, in personal lives and research, can sway statistical data and falsely represent findings that are false. Field (2018) states, “…bias means that the summary information from the person is at odds with the objective truth” (p. 171).  Research should be accurate when utilizing data in quantitative studies due to the vital nature of the represented information. According to Field (2018) the numbers and statistical data represented is critical to the research process. Research is also critical to the field of study that is represented. These findings, if falsely represented, can affect future research and present evidence-based critical processes. 

Christianity and Research: Bias Behavior

The accuracy of this data can have major implications on the research and also on the objective truth (Field, 2018). According to Payne and Vuletich (2018), “Implicit bias, which refers to mental associations that can lead to unintentional discrimination…” (p. 49). However, Christians can also apply this information and lesson in their everyday lives. Acts 10:34 states, “Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism” (New International Version). Bias can cloud the judgment of the researcher and the individual. Christians should remove bias from their lives and professional careers due to the negative effects that can result from implicit and uninformed critical thinking processes. Bias behavior can have strong implications and discriminatory outcomes; however, bias affects individuals and research differently. Bias behavior can negatively affect individuals and their perceptions of other individuals. Furthermore, research is affected by drawing conclusions prior to seeing the results or data after the calculations have been deciphered. 

Removing Unintentional Bias

Research should be checked for quality and one method to perform this is through peer review. Peer review is the primary method in which the quality of research is secured and maintained (Tvina, Spellecy, and Palatnik, 2019). This fundamental process should be utilized in order to ensure that research is accurate and not subjective in nature. The call for research, in a specific area, can sometimes create bias through subjectivity. This situation can create a call upon researchers to research new areas or provide updated data in previously researched areas; thus, creating a situation where quantity is placed above quality (Gelman & Hennig, 2017). Unbiased behavior can also be used in other areas other than research.

However, in today’s world it is hard to escape these implicit bias perceptions due to the advancement of technology and social media. One method in which to remove bias behavior or implicit bias is to remove the sources that can create or enhance these behaviors. One of these sources is social media and influences such as content from the internet. Alsaad, Taamneh, and Al-Jedaiah (2018) states, “However, despite the increased rate of hate crimes and racist behavior around the world, existing literature has largely failed to draw a connection between the Internet, including social media, and actual incidents of racist behavior” (p. 41). Therefore, it is critical for individuals, who surround themselves with negative influences, to exclude themselves from this bias material. 

Conclusion

 Research and personal lives should be bias-free. Individuals who are influenced by implicit bias it can sway or alter research or perceptions before conclusions can be drawn. The Holy Bible speaks of remaining unbiased and the research community has discussed the importance of publishing quality statistical data. In order to understand individuals or a research topic with focus that is not distressed by discrimination or predetermined ideals. It should be the focus of every individual to remove blinders that can cloud the judgment of the individual and the particular focus of a research project. Therefore, all steps should be taken in order to ensure that the treatment and respect of other individuals and academic work be taken into account when living our lives. 

References

Alsaad, A., Taamneh, A., & Al-Jedaiah, M. (2018). Does social media increase racist behavior? An examination of confirmation bias theory. Technology in Society, 55, 42-46.

Field, A. (2018). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics: North American Edition. London, UK: Sage.

Gelman, A., & Hennig, C. (2017). Beyond subjective and objective in statistics. Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, 180(4), 967-1033.

Payne, B., & Vuletich, H. (2017). Policy insights from advances in implicit bias research. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 5(1), 49-56.

Tvina, A., Spellecy, R., & Palatnik, A. (2019). Bias in the peer-review process: Can we do better? Obstetrics & Gynecology, 133(6), 1081-1083.