Bias Flashcards
Bias
any factor that distorts the result of a study, presumably because the factor was not controlled for.
Sampling Bias
Distortions in results resulting from how participants are selected from research (Because the sample is not representative of the target population).
Participant Bias
The tendency of research participants to consciously or unconsciously act according how they think the researcher wants them to act, meaning they are not doing what they would naturally do.
Researcher Bias
Distortions in results resulting from how the researcher interacts with participants and the research method.
Bias can be used as another criteria in the _________ ___________ of psychological research
critical evaluation
How can a study interact with bias in their study to create a strength about their study during critical evaluation.
Implementing specific elements or controls to limit the influence of each type of bias.
If a study does not control for bias, it ends up _________ the results, which probably reduces ________ as well
distorting, validity
2 things to increase to improve how representative a sample is of the target population
- Increasing sample size
- Increasing randomness of sample
2 types of Sampling Bias
- Self selection bias
- Under coverage Bias
Self-selection bias
Resulting from participants volunteering themselves for research. These individuals are known to have characteristics that differ from non-volunteering participants, and therefore become not accurately representative of the population.
Under Coverage Bias
Omission of important subgroups that are part of the population in the sample, resulting in a sample that is less representative.
Why having a lack of representativeness in the sample is problematic?
It leads to statistical errors and problematic data that is not objectively accurate of the target population.
How can lack of representativeness lead to larger problems with internal validity?
If there are not enough participants with relevant characteristics included in the research, this can limit the accuracy of measurements and results. It offers an incomplete measurement of the construct under investigation because it doesn’t reflect the wider range of human characteristics in that construct, therefore making it more difficult to determine causality.
T or F: Sampling bias is the same as sampling error
false
Social Desirability effect
When participants respond positively so the researcher has a good impression of them on a social level.
How is Social Desirability effect different from “good participant”
Because it focuses on social interactions, not hypothesis confirmation.
3 types of “roles” participants may take in a study regarding Participant bias:
- The “good participant”, who tries to help the researcher confirm their hypothesis
- The “negative participant”, who attempts to disprove the hypothesis
- The “faithful participant” who follows instructions exactly and ignores demand characteristics.
Link how participant bias can influence validity/causality.
Because what looks like the influence of the manipulation of the IV, is actually the influence of the participants themselves.
