ACADEMIC BIAS:
A general term that refers to any biases, or perceived biases of a scholar, that results in their beliefs influencing their research and/or the community as a whole1,2. More specifically, when a scholar’s (or group of scholars’) personal beliefs influence how they conduct science, teach classes, or communicate ideas; and when these personal beliefs are propagated into future research, the scientific community, or the wider population. A scholar is defined as a person who conducts research and teaches in the education industry (i.e. employed by colleges or universities), or other publicly funded organizations (e.g. government).
Academic Bias can be considered a type of Interpretative Bias, and may be related to intellectual or other conflicts of interest. Some have suggested that Academic Bias is widespread in various controversial context such as, for example, whether low-energy sweeteners are truly harmful, beneficial, or benign for health1. Scholars have argued there is a bias towards sweeteners due to financial conflicts of interest on the part of the companies manufacturing sweeteners, and industry scientists have argued there is an Academic Bias against sweeteners due to other intellectual conflicts of interest amongst scholars. Also see: Allegiance Bias, White Hat Bias, False Consensus Bias, Cognitive Dissonance Bias, Interpretive Bias, and Bias Due to Conflicts of Interest.
References:
1. Mela DJ. Is There an Academic Bias against Low-Energy Sweeteners? Nutrients. 2022;14(7). (Link to Reference)
2. Kattula D. Activism, academic bias and argument without nuance is harmful and potentially dangerous. Indian journal of medical ethics. 2020;V(4):1-6. (Link to Reference)