$($b$)$ This publication $($and following press interviews$)$ did not disclose that the patients had been recruited through anti$-$MMR campaigners, that the study had been commissioned and funded for the purpose of a lawsuit, and that the principal author was a paid consultant for this litigation. The publication did not disclose either that Dr$.$ Wakefield had filed patents in direct conflict of interest with the existing MMR vaccine.

Why is it important that such information be disclosed when reporting a study's findings? Which part of the study is especially affected by this undisclosed information? Select the correct explanation.

It is important to disclose this information to ensure the study is double$-$blinded.

It is important to disclose this type of information to ensure that there is no bias on the part of the patients or the researcher. In this case, both the patients and the researcher may have an agenda and receive financial gain if a link between the MMR vaccine and autism is established. The findings in the data collection process are especially affected by this undisclosed information.

It is important to disclose this type of information to ensure that there is no bias on the part of the patients or the researcher. In this case, both the patients and the researcher may have an agenda and receive financial gain if a link between the MMR vaccine and autism is established. However, the findings in the data collection process can't be affected by this undisclosed information in this study.