Types of bias: selection bias, information bias
Start with the big picture
Bias is a systematic problem that can influence what a study appears to show. Selection bias concerns how participants or observations enter, remain in, or are represented in a study. Information bias concerns the quality or accuracy of information used to classify exposures, outcomes, or other study variables. These categories offer a useful framework for thinking about where errors may arise in epidemiologic research. This preview introduces the distinction without covering specific subtypes or methods for evaluating their effects; those details are addressed in the full lesson.
What you'll learn
- Distinguish selection bias from information bias at a broad level.
- Identify whether a potential bias relates to participant selection or information quality.
- Recognize why bias matters when interpreting epidemiologic findings.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
