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Bias in Research: DR Aamer Naeem

This document discusses bias in research. It defines bias as a systematic error that can lead to conclusions that differ from the truth. The main types of bias discussed are selection bias, Berksonian bias, information bias, recall bias, interviewer bias, and observer bias. Selection bias occurs when the method of selecting study participants results in a non-representative sample. Berksonian bias is a type of selection bias that can arise in hospital-based studies. Information bias results from errors in data collection. Recall bias occurs when past exposures are not remembered accurately. Interviewer and observer bias can influence data collection when the interviewer or observer's expectations impact their interpretation. All types of bias can be reduced through study design, data

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130 views16 pages

Bias in Research: DR Aamer Naeem

This document discusses bias in research. It defines bias as a systematic error that can lead to conclusions that differ from the truth. The main types of bias discussed are selection bias, Berksonian bias, information bias, recall bias, interviewer bias, and observer bias. Selection bias occurs when the method of selecting study participants results in a non-representative sample. Berksonian bias is a type of selection bias that can arise in hospital-based studies. Information bias results from errors in data collection. Recall bias occurs when past exposures are not remembered accurately. Interviewer and observer bias can influence data collection when the interviewer or observer's expectations impact their interpretation. All types of bias can be reduced through study design, data

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bkdfiesefll
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Bias in research

Dr Aamer Naeem
 It's always helpful to learn from your
mistakes because then your mistakes
seem worthwhile.
 Garry Marshall
What is BIAS
 Bias is one of the three major threats to
internal validity:

1. Bias

2. Confounding

3. Random error / chance


BIAS
 Any trend in the collection, analysis,
interpretation, publication or review of
data that can lead to conclusions that are
systematically different from the truth
(Last, 2001)

 A process at any state of inference


tending to produce results that depart
systematically from the true values
(Fletcher et al, 1988)

 Systematic error in design or conduct of a


study (Szklo et al, 2000)
Chance vs. bias
 Chance is caused by random error
 Bias is caused by systematic error

 Errors from chance will cancel each other out in


the long run (large sample size)
 Errors from bias will not cancel each other out
whatever the sample size

 Chance leads to imprecise results


 Bias leads to inaccurate results
Types of bias

 Selection bias
 BERKSONIAN BIAS
 Interviewer’s bias
 Recall bias
 Observer bias
 Information bias
1. selection bias
 When there is a systematic error in the
selection of individuals in a study, then
it is called as
 selection bias
1. SELECTION BIAS

 This type of error occurs when there is a


systematic error in the enrollment of
individuals in a study – cases or controls
in case-control study, or exposed or
unexposed individuals in a prospective
cohort study – it determines a biased
association between exposure and
outcome
2. BERKSONIAN BIAS

 Berkson's bias is a type of selection bias. It can


arise when the sample is taken not from the
general population, but from a subpopulation.
 It was first recognised in case control studies
when both cases and controls are sampled from a
hospital rather than from the community.
2. BERKSONIAN BIAS
Also called as the incidence-prevalence bias.
Admission bias is also known as Berkson’s bias
(Berkson 1946).
Berkson described assessment of the relationship
between gallbladder disease (as a possible cause)
and diabetes. Because the study involved
participants attending a clinic, whose attendance
(overall) was affected both by gallbladder disease
and by diabetes, this biased the association
between gallbladder disease and diabetes. 
(Berkson 1946).
3. information bias
 When a bias occurs during data collection
process, it is called as:
 information bias
 Missing data can be a major cause of
information bias, where certain groups of
people are more likely to have missing data. An
example where differential recording may occur
is in smoking data within medical records. 
4. recall bias
 A bias that results from imprecise
memory of past exposure and it is of
particular concern in case-control
studies
 recall bias
5. interviewers bias
 The tendency of the interviewer to obtain
answers that support preconceived
notions is called
 interviewers bias
6. observer bias
 Bias may also occur if the observer
knows the hypothesis and also who
the cases are.

 Observer and interviewers bias can be


reduced by double blinding
 All types of bias in research can be reduced
by:

a. choosing the appropriate study design


b. carefully establishing the procedures of
data handling
c. having clear definitions of exposures
and outcomes
 When you make a mistake, don't look back
at it long. Take the reason of the thing into
your mind and then look forward. Mistakes
are lessons of wisdom. The past cannot be
changed. The future is yet in your power.
 Hugh White
US politician (1773 - 1840)

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