Biases about man-made cancer among researchers.
Can sociological variables significantly predict researchers' positions on a scientific issue? Carcinogenesis offers a good test case because it is not definitively established how important man-made substances are as contributors to human cancer. American cancer researchers divide on this issue, some broadly emphasizing the importance of man-made carcinogens, others consistently minimizing their importance relative to natural carcinogens. We find that cancer researchers who are male, are affiliated with a medical school, and have more publications, are more likely than their colleagues to minimize the importance of man-made carcinogens.
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Center for Media and Public Affairs, N.W. Washington, DC 20037, USA. srlichter@cmpa.com
Rothman
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Lichter
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D004194:Disease / Q000209:etiology*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000266:history*; D011639:Public Opinion; D012106:Research / Q000266:history*; D014481:United States