bias

bias,

n in statistics, the systematic distortion of a statistic caused by a particular sampling process.

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bias

any systematic error in the design, conduct or analysis of a study which results in estimates which depart from true values. An unbiased study is free from systematic error. Many types of bias have been named, but three general types can be identified, selection bias, information bias and confounding. Selection bias is a systematic error in a study caused by the individuals selected into the study being different from the entire target population in an important way. See also berkson's bias. Information bias is a systematic error in a study caused by errors in the data which are collected in the study, or in the analysis of the data.