File-drawer problem is an important phenomenon in the field of research and publication. It is a phenomenon in which studies with statistically non-significant results are not published or not reported in the literature. This phenomenon is also known as the “publication bias” and occurs when researchers publish only those results which are statistically significant. The effects of this phenomenon have been studied extensively and have been found to lead to a systematic overestimation of the effects of treatments or interventions(Rosenthal, 1979).
The file-drawer problem is a major issue in research as it can lead to bias and distortion of the results of research. A study which is conducted but does not produce statistically significant results is likely to be discarded and not published. This means that the results of the study are not included in the published literature and hence the findings of the research are not taken into consideration. This can lead to a distorted picture of the true effects of treatments or interventions.
The file-drawer problem can be addressed by making sure that all studies conducted are published, regardless of their statistical significance. This is important, as it ensures that the true effects of treatments or interventions are accurately reflected in the published literature. In addition, researchers should be encouraged to report their non-significant findings, as it can help to provide further information about the true effects of treatments or interventions.
In conclusion, the file-drawer problem is an important phenomenon in research and publication. It can lead to bias and distortion of the results of research, and should be addressed by encouraging researchers to publish all of their results, regardless of their statistical significance. This will help to ensure that the true effects of treatments or interventions are accurately reflected in the published literature.
References
Rosenthal, R. (1979). The file drawer problem and tolerance for null results. Psychological Bulletin, 86(3), 638–641. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.86.3.638