Final answer:
The file-drawer effect describes the bias where only research with significant or positive results is typically published, while studies with negative or inconclusive results remain unpublished. This leads to a publication bias that skews the scientific literature and may overestimate the effects of an intervention or theory.
Step-by-step explanation:
File-Drawer Effect in Psychology
The file-drawer effect is a term used in psychology and other social sciences to describe a bias in the publication of research findings. This effect occurs when studies with significant or positive results are more likely to be published, while those with non-significant or negative results are often not published and metaphorically left in researchers' "file drawers." This leads to a skewed perception of knowledge because the published literature may not accurately represent all the research that has been conducted on a topic. The consequence is a publication bias that can affect meta-analyses and systematic reviews that rely on published data, potentially overestimating the effects or effectiveness of an intervention or theory.
For example, if numerous studies on a new psychotherapy technique are conducted, but only the ones showing strong, positive outcomes are published, the overall scientific literature will suggest that the therapy is more effective than it might actually be, as those studies with negative or inconclusive results were not presented to the public. This can have significant implications for clinical practices and policy-making in psychology.