Bias
Definition
Bias refers to a systematic deviation from the true value or an unfair influence that affects the results of statistical analysis. It can occur during data collection, sampling, or analysis and leads to inaccurate or misleading conclusions.
Analogy
Imagine you are playing darts, but the dartboard is slightly tilted towards one side. Even if you throw darts perfectly, they will consistently land closer to one area due to the bias in the board's position.
Related terms
Selection Bias: Selection bias occurs when certain individuals or groups are more likely to be included in a sample than others, leading to an unrepresentative sample.
Nonresponse Bias: Nonresponse bias happens when individuals who choose not to respond differ systematically from those who do respond, resulting in biased estimates.
Confounding Variable: A confounding variable is an extraneous factor that influences both the dependent variable and independent variable simultaneously. It can introduce bias into statistical analyses if not properly accounted for.
"Bias" appears in:
Subjects (5)
Study guides (15)
AP Statistics - 3.1 Introducing Statistics: Do the Data We Collected Tell the Truth?
AP Statistics - 3.2 Introduction to Planning a Study
AP Statistics - 3.3 Random Sampling and Data Collection
AP Statistics - 3.4 Potential Problems with Sampling
AP Statistics - 3.5 Introduction to Experimental Design
AP Statistics - 3.6 Selecting an Experimental Design
AP Statistics - 4.1 Introducing Statistics: Random and Non-Random Patterns?
AP Statistics - 5.4 Biased and Unbiased Point Estimates
AP Statistics - 5.5 Sampling Distributions for Sample Proportions
AP Statistics - 5.6 Sampling Distributions for Differences in Sample Proportions
AP Statistics - 5.7 Sampling Distributions for Sample Means
AP Statistics - 5.8 Sampling Distributions for Differences in Sample Means
AP Statistics - 6.1 Introducing Statistics: Why Be Normal?
AP Statistics - 6.2 Constructing a Confidence Interval for a Population Proportion
AP Statistics - 7.1 Introducing Statistics: Should I Worry About Error?
Additional resources (4)
Practice Questions (10)
- To minimize error due to bias in sampling, which method should be used?
- What is the best way to minimize error due to bias in questioning?
- A biased point estimate tends to consistently do what?
- How is a biased point estimate characterized?
- Which type of variation in data distribution can be caused by factors such as measurement error, bias, or systematic differences in the population?
- Which of the following sampling techniques helps ensure the reliability and validity of the results and minimizes bias in the sample?
- Which of the following is a potential source of bias in a study?
- Which bias occurs when the way a question is asked influences the response given?
- Bias in data is:
- When analyzing data, why is it important to identify and control for bias?
Resources
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