what would you respond to this discussion in regarding study #1

Study #1

A study is commissioned to determine whether or not getting the flu shot actually reduces the chances of a person between the ages of 60 and 75 of getting the flu. The study is funded by a pharmaceutical company. One thousand participants between the ages of 60 and 75 agree to participate in the study. The participants are randomly divided into two groups: 500 of the participants receive the flu shot and 500 of the participants receive a placebo treatment (a faux flu shot, per se). Participants do not know whether or not they are actually receiving the flu shot. The participants are monitored for flu-like symptoms during the flu season (from October to April). At the end of the study, researchers compare the number of 60 - 75-year-olds that got the flu shot and ended up coming down with the flu to the number of 60 - 75-year-olds that did not get the flu shot and got the flu.

The discussion:

Looking over study #1 which tests the effectiveness of flu vaccines in an adult group, I was able to find possible sources of bias that could affect the given data. One of those is the possibility of the number of patients that have been vaccinated in recent years. Another is the possibility that these individuals may take daily supplements such as vitamin c that helps support the immune system. Lastly, would be cherry picking ethnic groups for medical studies. Ethical guidelines include informing the participants of the experimented drug and obtaining consent. Ethical guidelines also imply reporting comorbidities or pre existing conditions that could potentially affect the research on a group of people. One way to avoid biased research is to randomly select from a larger sample. One thousand is a large number for this study of flu vaccine effectiveness. However, it gives more evidence towards the hypothesis that those who receive the flu vaccine are less likely to get the flu. In regards to unethical statistical practice, it is important that patient information is not misused or altered. Using biased samples can change the results to be favorable to the testing taken place. This type of unethical behavior can interfere with results which later can give false results for the hypothesis. Since the participants do not know whether or not they are actually receiving the flu shot, it is best not to disclose this detail for the sake of the experiment. This also protects the scientists and stakeholders that are funding the testing. Additionally, it is unethical to falsely produce results to favor the hypothesis or to generate desired results. Peer reviewed studies help make the findings valid and prevent false results.