Errors Flashcards
random error
results from chance variation
chance variation
the difference between the sample value and the true value of the population mean
systematic error
flaws in the execution of the research design –> results have consistent tendency to vary in one direction
sample design error (SDE)
error in the sample design or sampling procedure
measurement error (ME)
variation between information being sought and the information needed
frame error
inaccurate or incomplete sampling frame –> not true to cross section of the target population (SDE)
population specification error
incorrectly defining the population from which a sample is taken (SDE)
selection error
incomplete or improper sample selection procedures or not following appropriate procedures (SDE)
surrogate information error
discrepancy between the information needed to solve the problem and that sought by the researcher –> failure to properly define the problem (ME)
interviewer error/bias
resulting from the interviewer influencing the answers of the respondent to give untrue actions (ME)
measurement instrument bias/ questionnaire bias
the design of the questionnaire or measurement instrument (ME)
process error
incorrect transfer of information from a survey document to a computer (ME)
nonresponse bias
systematic difference between those who do and do not respond to a measurement instrument (ME)
response bias
tendency of people to answer questions incorrectly through either deliberate falsification or unconscious misrepresentation (ME)
