What are some examples of bias in sampling?

What are some examples of bias in sampling?

Bias in sampling occurs when certain members of a population are systematically more likely to be selected than others. For example, if a survey about a new product is only sent to existing customers, it may not accurately represent the views of potential customers.

Can you give me another example?

Sure! If a researcher conducts a study on college students but only samples from one university, the results may not be applicable to students at other institutions, leading to selection bias.

What about non-response bias?

Non-response bias happens when individuals chosen for a sample do not respond. For instance, if a survey is sent out and only a small percentage of people respond, the views of non-respondents may differ significantly from those who did respond, skewing the results.

How can we minimize bias in sampling?

To minimize bias, researchers can use random sampling methods, ensure diverse representation, and follow up with non-respondents to gather more comprehensive data.