What is an artifact in research?

In research, an artifact refers to a factor that distorts or misrepresents research findings. This distortion can occur due to various influences that are not part of the study's primary focus but can nonetheless impact the results. Artifacts can arise from experimental conditions, measurement errors, or outside variables that were not properly controlled.

Understanding this concept is crucial because artifacts can lead researchers to draw incorrect conclusions or misinterpret data, ultimately affecting the validity and reliability of the study. In essence, recognizing potential artifacts allows researchers to take steps to mitigate their effects, leading to more accurate and trustworthy research outcomes.