Participation bias

Participation bias or non-response bias is a phenomenon in which the results of elections, studies, polls, etc. become non-representative because the participants disproportionately possess certain traits which affect the outcome. These traits mean the sample is systematically different from the target population, potentially resulting in biased estimates.[1]

For instance, a study found that those who refused to answer a survey on AIDS tended to be "older, attend church more often, are less likely to believe in the confidentiality of surveys, and have lower sexual self disclosure."[2] It may occur due to several factors as outlined in Deming (1990).[3]

Non-response bias can be a problem in longitudinal research due to attrition during the study.[4]

  1. ^ Fowler, Floyd (2009). Survey Research Methods (4th ed.) - SAGE Research Methods. doi:10.4135/9781452230184. ISBN 9781412958417.
  2. ^ "Participation Bias in AIDS-Related Telephone Surveys: Results From the National AIDS Behavioral Survey (NABS) Non-Response Study".
  3. ^ Deming, W. Edwards. Sample design in business research. Vol. 23. John Wiley & Sons, 1990.
  4. ^ Ann, Bowling (2014-07-01). Research methods in health : Investigating health and health services. Milton Keynes. ISBN 9780335262755. OCLC 887254158.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)