Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA) Practice Exam

Which publication type is LEAST likely to be subject to author bias?

1. Research articles

2. Practice guidelines

3. Personal narratives

4. Opinion pieces

The correct answer is: Practice guidelines

Practice guidelines are evidence-based recommendations that healthcare professionals use to make decisions about patient care. Unlike research articles, they are not meant to present new findings or contribute to existing knowledge, but rather to provide guidance on best practices. Since they are based on existing evidence and guidelines from reputable sources, they are less likely to be influenced by the personal biases of the authors. Research articles, personal narratives, and opinion pieces are all more likely to be influenced by the opinions and perspectives of the authors, making them more susceptible to author bias.