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Publication Bias in Empirical Sociological Research

Author

Listed:
  • Alan S. Gerber

    (Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut)

  • Neil Malhotra

    (Stanford University, Stanford, California, neilm@stanford.edu)

Abstract

Despite great attention to the quality of research methods in individual studies, if publication decisions of journals are a function of the statistical significance of research findings, the published literature as a whole may not produce accurate measures of true effects. This article examines the two most prominent sociology journals (the American Sociological Review and the American Journal of Sociology ) and another important though less influential journal ( The Sociological Quarterly ) for evidence of publication bias. The effect of the .05 significance level on the pattern of published findings is examined using a ``caliper'' test, and the hypothesis of no publication bias can be rejected at approximately the 1 in 10 million level. Findings suggest that some of the results reported in leading sociology journals may be misleading and inaccurate due to publication bias. Some reasons for publication bias and proposed reforms to reduce its impact on research are also discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Alan S. Gerber & Neil Malhotra, 2008. "Publication Bias in Empirical Sociological Research," Sociological Methods & Research, , vol. 37(1), pages 3-30, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:somere:v:37:y:2008:i:1:p:3-30
    DOI: 10.1177/0049124108318973
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. T. D. Stanley, 2005. "Beyond Publication Bias," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 19(3), pages 309-345, July.
    2. Chris Doucouliagos, 2005. "Publication Bias in the Economic Freedom and Economic Growth Literature," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 19(3), pages 367-387, July.
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    13. Chris (hristos) Doucouliagos & Patrice Laroche & T.D. Stanley, 2005. "Publication Bias in Union-Productivity Research? [¿ Publicación tendenciosa en la investigación sobre la productividad sindical ?]," Post-Print hal-02138187, HAL.
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    Cited by:

    1. Stanley, T. D. & Doucouliagos, Hristos, 2013. "Better than random: weighted least squares meta-regression analysis," Working Papers eco_2013_2, Deakin University, Department of Economics.
    2. Auspurg Katrin & Hinz Thomas, 2011. "What Fuels Publication Bias?: Theoretical and Empirical Analyses of Risk Factors Using the Caliper Test," Journal of Economics and Statistics (Jahrbuecher fuer Nationaloekonomie und Statistik), De Gruyter, vol. 231(5-6), pages 636-660, October.
    3. Weiß Bernd & Wagner Michael, 2011. "The Identification and Prevention of Publication Bias in the Social Sciences and Economics," Journal of Economics and Statistics (Jahrbuecher fuer Nationaloekonomie und Statistik), De Gruyter, vol. 231(5-6), pages 661-684, October.

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