In a review of the literature on bias in interpreting research results, the social psychologist Robert MacCoun (then at Berkeley and now at Stanford) found that "biased research interpretation is a common phenomenon, and an overdetermined one".
"We can now say with certainty that being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer, just as it does with a number of other cancers such as breast, bowel and womb cancer," said Dr Rachel Thompson, head of research interpretation.
For ROTOЯ, interpretation acts as a pivot between academic research, interpretation and public engagement, where points of intersection are considered and debated from multiple perspectives.
MA conducted project design and direction of research, interpretation of results and preparation of this manuscript.
AM participated in the conception and design of the research, interpretation of data, and drafting of the manuscript.
RJS and JHH contributed to the design of the study, conduct of the research, interpretation of the results, and assisted in writing the manuscript.
YP participated in conception and design of research, interpretation of data, drafting the manuscript, and critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content.
Reducing human exposure to anthropogenic mercury is both a public health priority and an economic challenge, and controversies persist in both research interpretation and policy decisions [ 10].
Policy-makers, researchers and other stakeholders are all involved throughout the process, from identification of priority problems, through broad development of research questions and proposals, regular feedback on progress of the research, interpretation of the research findings, and scale-up.
