Bias

• What is participant bias?

  When participants act as researchers expect
• How does researcher bias influence a study?

  It affects design, data collection, and interpretation
• What is sampling bias?

  When the sample is not representative of the population
• What are expectancy effects in research?

  Subtle cues from researchers influence participants
• How can expectancy effects be minimized?

  By training interviewers to be neutral
• What is confirmation bias?

  The tendency to interpret data to fit beliefs
• How can confirmation bias be reduced?

  By using researcher triangulation in interviews
• What is selection bias?

  When the sample is not representative due to selection
• How does selection bias occur?

  • Using non-random sampling methods
  • Excluding certain groups from the study
  • Over-representing easily accessible participants
• How can selection bias be avoided?

  • Use random sampling techniques
  • Ensure diverse representation in the sample
  • Counteract potential sources of bias
• What is social desirability bias?

  Participants respond in socially acceptable ways
• How can social desirability bias be minimized?

  By creating trust between researcher and participants
• What causes interview bias?

  Interviewer behavior, including body language
• How can interview bias be reduced?

  • Peer review with colleagues
  • Using multiple coders
  • Member checking with participants
• What is attrition bias?

  Differences due to participants dropping out
• How does attrition bias occur?

  • Participants leave for research-related reasons
  • Higher dropout rates in one condition
  • Loss of participants in longitudinal studies
• How can attrition bias be avoided?

  • Analyze characteristics of dropouts
  • Use intention-to-treat analysis
  • Implement strategies to minimize dropout
• What strategies can quantitative researchers use to avoid bias?

  • Deception
  • Guarantee anonymity/confidentiality
  • Standardized instructions
  • Pilot studies
  • Triangulation
• What strategies can qualitative researchers use to avoid bias?

  • Pilot studies
  • Triangulation
  • Open-ended questions
  • Reflexivity
  • Transparency in context description
• What is acquiescence bias?

  The tendency to agree with statements regardless
• How does acquiescence bias occur?

  • Using agree/disagree response formats
  • Presenting leading questions
  • Cultural factors influencing responses
• How can acquiescence bias be avoided?

  • Use balanced scales with positive/negative items
  • Vary question formats and response options
  • Include reverse-coded items in questionnaires