ICMJE recommendations aim to reduce what type of publication bias?

The ICMJE (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors) recommendations primarily focus on reducing bias related to negative results and findings. This type of bias occurs when studies with unfavorable outcomes are less likely to be published, thereby skewing the overall understanding of a given treatment or intervention. When negative results are published less frequently, it can lead to a false impression of effectiveness in the literature and inhibit informed decision-making among healthcare practitioners.

By advocating for the disclosure of all results—both positive and negative—the ICMJE aims to create a more balanced and accurate representation of research findings. This approach helps ensure that the scientific community has access to a complete dataset, which is crucial for meta-analyses and systematic reviews. The emphasis on transparency in reporting all findings contributes significantly to reducing publication bias in scientific and medical research.