Bias in Research & measures to

minimize them
Group 1
24-11-2021
Advance Course in Research Methodology Workshop

Dr Trupti, Dr Rupali, Dr Amruta, Dr Tinku,

Dr Karan, Dr Ambreen, Dr Govind Thote, Dr Sheetal
 Specific Learning Objectives

• Define Bias.

• Describe various biases in research.

• Describe various measures to minimize biases in research

 Bias
• Any systematic deviation from the truth
• Any systematic error in the design, conduct or
analysis of the study that results in distortion of the truth
• Bias can occur at each stage of the research process

1 • Planning
2 • Data collection
3 • Data analysis
4 • Publication phase

• Bias impacts on the validity and reliability of study findings and

misinterpretation of data can have important consequences for practice
 Sources of Bias
Investigator

Participant

Statistician

Literature

Instruments

Extraneous variables
 Types of Bias

Design Bias
Selection/
Participant Bias Data collection
&
Measurement Bias Analysis Bias

Publication Bias
 1. Design bias
Poor study design and incongruence between aims and
methods increases the likelihood of bias.
For example, exploring HIV using a survey is unlikely to
obtain in-depth rich data about individuals’ experiences.
Bias can occur when a researcher’s personal beliefs
influence the choice of research question and
methodology.
For example, a researcher working for a pharmaceutical
company may choose a research question which
supports the usefulness of the drug being investigated
 2. Selection / Participants Bias

Selection bias results from procedure used to select

individuals for inclusion in the study
 Dealing with selection bias
1. Apply same eligibility criteria for selecting cases &
controls.
2. Both cases & controls undergo the same diagnostic
procedures.
3. Minimize nonresponse, nonparticipation, & loss of
follow up
4. Random selection
5. Randomization
6. Blinding
 Data collection Bias

Recall bias
Recall bias is differences in reporting experiences between those who have and
those who do not have the outcome of interest.
It occurs mainly in case control study
Dealing with information bias
1. Precise operational definition of variable
2. Detailed measurement protocol.
3. Repeated measurement on key
variables.
4. Training, certification & recertification
5. Data audits.
6. Data cleaning
7. Rerunning all analyses prior to
 Confounding Bias

Exposure Outcome

Confounder
 Effects of confounding

1. May stimulates association that does not

exist
2. hide an association that dose exist
3. change direction of an effect
4. increase/decrease the strength of
association
 Dealing with confounding
1. Restriction
2. Matching
3. Randomization
4. Startification
5. Multivariate analysis.
Analysis bias

Research bias that creeps in during data processing. Many

times, when sorting and analyzing data, the researcher may
focus on data samples that confirm his or her thoughts,
expectations, or personal experiences; that is, data that
favours the research hypothesis. 
Analysis bias can be far-reaching because it alters the research
outcomes significantly and provides a false presentation of what is
obtainable in the research environment. 
Example: 
While researching cannabis, a researcher pays attention to data
samples that reinforce the negative effects of cannabis while ignoring
data that suggests positives.
 Publication bias
Published studies nearly always have some degree of
bias.
For example, in quantitative research, studies are more
likely to be published if reporting statistically significant
findings.
Non-publication in qualitative studies is more likely to
occur because of a lack of depth when describing study
methodologies and findings are not clearly presented
 Measures to minimize bias

1. Clear research question

2. Choosing appropriate study design
3. Feedback from peers, scientific review committee, ethics committee
4. Recruiting participants who meet study aims, representative of study
population
5. Appropriate allocation of participants to ensure similarity between
comparison groups
6. Randomization
7. Blinding in RCT
8. Use of validated questionnaire, measurement tools
9. Independent Analysis of data by other researcher
 Researchers have an ethical duty to
outline the limitations of studies and
account for potential sources of bias.
This will enable health professionals
and policymakers to evaluate and
scrutinise study findings, and consider
these when applying findings to
practice or policy
 References

1. Joanna Smith, Helen Noble, Bias in research, BMJ, Evid Based Nurs October 2014 | volume 17 | number 4
2. Christopher J et al. Identifying and Avoiding Bias in Research Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010 August ; 126(2):
619–625. doi:10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181de24bc.
3. BCBR course material