What are "conflicts of interest" in research?

Conflicts of interest in research refer to situations where personal or financial interests may interfere with the objectivity and integrity of the research process. This can include cases where a researcher has a financial stake in the outcome of their work, such as owning stock in a company that could benefit from a positive study result, or receiving funding from an organization that has a vested interest in the research findings. The presence of such potential conflicts requires careful management to ensure that the research is conducted ethically and that the results are credible. Addressing conflicts of interest is vital to maintaining public trust in research outcomes and the overall integrity of the scientific process.

Other options, while relevant to research, do not accurately define conflicts of interest. Disagreements among researchers about study methods pertain to methodological issues rather than personal motivations affecting research conclusions. Mismanagement of participant data involves ethical and procedural concerns unrelated to personal interests. Conflicts arising from collaborations with other institutions may reflect tensions or differing priorities, but they do not specifically address the personal or financial implications that define conflicts of interest.