The role of geographic bias in knowledge diffusion: a systematic review and narrative synthesis
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- Summary created: 2023
This research synthesised the evidence from three randomised and controlled studies investigating geographic bias in the evaluation of research.
This summary, including its recommendations and ideas, was created by Mark Skopec and is based on original research. The original research itself was conducted in collaboration with the following researchers.
Summary was created by
The research was designed to highlight the role biases play in the prejudgment of research on a global scale, and to provide recommendations on how to create a more equitable playing field in the diffusion of knowledge, both at the level of peer review for academic journals and for research consumption at the individual level.
Insights
Anecdotal evidence suggests the presence of geographic bias in knowledge diffusion. Yet, there are few controlled or experimental studies investigating this phenomenon. This makes it difficult to draw strong conclusions about causality. This review only found three experimental studies conducted on the topic, suggesting further experimental research could be necessary.
Institutions that contain a geographic identifier or a recognizable "brand" linked to a country elicit a bias. Research from an institution in a high-income country ("Harvard University" or "University of Freiburg") was rated higher than research from a low-income country ("University of Addis Ababa" or "University of Mzuzu"). Separately, reviewers recommend articles for acceptance if they were from top-ranked universities, which were more often in high-income countries.
Academic journals that contain geographic identifiers could also elicit bias. The two studies that investigated this dimension of geographic bias did not find conclusive results of its effect on the evaluation of research. Future studies could be designed to investigate this in more detail.
What it means
This research helps to illustrate that we all have biases based on our different backgrounds. These biases are neither good nor bad, but we need to be aware of them when we review and consume research. This is particularly important in STEM subjects and the sciences, which are founded on the principles of objectivity and merit. Understanding and accepting that biases affect us all can make us better scientists and researchers.
Proposed action
People should reflect on how their biases impact them personally and professionally
Teachers should seek to give their students a more inclusive representation of topics
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Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Ramya Zwaal for preparation assistance
We would like to extend a special thank you to Ramya Zwaal, for their invaluable contribution in assisting the preparation of this research summary.
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