Question

dr. smith reads two research papers that present different conclusions about the same question. he knows the researcher who wrote paper a, but does not know the authors of paper b. when asked which paper he thinks has more merit, dr. smith replies, \paper a.\ because of dr. smiths connection to some of the researchers, he could be exhibiting
a. bias.

b. inference.

c. observation.

d. skepticism.

Explanation:

Dr. Smith favors Paper A because he knows its researcher, showing a preference (bias) due to personal connection, not inference (logical conclusion), observation (gathering data), or skepticism (questioning claims).

Answer:

A. bias