What is selection bias and can you give me some examples?

What is selection bias and can you give me some examples?

Selection bias occurs when the sample chosen for a study is not representative of the population intended to be analyzed. For example, if a survey about exercise habits only includes gym members, it may not accurately reflect the exercise habits of the general population.

Can you provide another example?

Sure! In clinical trials, if only healthy volunteers are selected, the results may not be applicable to the general population, which includes individuals with various health conditions.

How can selection bias affect research outcomes?

Selection bias can lead to inaccurate conclusions, as the results may reflect the characteristics of the selected sample rather than the broader population, potentially skewing the effectiveness of treatments or interventions.

What are some ways to minimize selection bias?

To minimize selection bias, researchers can use random sampling, ensure diverse participant recruitment, and apply stratification techniques to ensure all subgroups are represented.