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What's Happening Events

06
Jun 2026
(Sat)

Biases in Academic Research

Event of
Open SPACE 2026
Subject
Education

Date & time
06Jun 2026 (Sat)15:45 - 16:45
Type of Event
Hybrid (In-person & Online Attendance)
Venue
Room 202, 2/F, Admiralty Centre, 18 Harcourt Road, Admiralty, HK (access via the shopping arcade escalators through Exit A, Admiralty MTR Station)
Online Platform
HKU SPACE YouTube Channel
Fee
Free
Speaker
  • Dr Amos Yung (Programme Manager, HKU SPACE)

Dr Amos Yung

As a Programme Leader of the Professional Doctorate in Education programme, Dr Amos Yung combines high-level academic credentials with practical business expertise. He holds a Doctor of Applied Language Sciences, an MBA, and a degree in Social Sciences. This diverse background allows him to offer specialized insights into different aspects in academic research, especially in Humanities and Social Sciences.

Enquiry
2975 5741  (shawn.mui@hkuspace.hku.hk)
Relevant Programmes
Professional Doctorate in Education

Academic research is intended to be an objective pursuit of truth; however, it is frequently compromised by various forms of bias that can distort findings and mislead the scientific community. These biases can occur at any stage of the research process, from initial design to final publication.

Common manifestations include selection bias, where the study group is not representative of the broader population, and procedural bias, which arises from flawed methodologies. Additionally, publication bias remains a significant hurdle, as journals are more likely to publish "positive" results while ignoring null findings, creating a skewed body of literature.

Beyond technical errors, researchers often face cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias—the tendency to favor information that supports existing hypotheses. In the context of Hong Kong and global academia, addressing these "hidden prejudices" (偏見) and "technical deviations" (偏差) is crucial. Promoting transparency through open data, pre-registration of studies, and rigorous peer review is essential to maintaining the integrity of academic discourse and ensuring that research remains a reliable foundation for societal progress.

Language: Cantonese supplimented with English

 

The School may make available related programme information material at the seminar.
The School reserves the right to alter or modify the schedule of the event if necessary or expedient.