noun phrase · academic
sampling bias
/ˈsæmplɪŋ ˈbaɪəs/SAMP·ling BI·as
a systematic error that occurs when the sample is not representative of the population being studied
Examples
“The survey results showed sampling bias because respondents were only taken from one neighbourhood.”
“Researchers must avoid sampling bias to make valid generalisations.”
“Online polls are particularly vulnerable to sampling bias.”
Band 8 sentence
“Any generalisation is questionable if the original study suffered from significant sampling bias.”
Collocations
- reduce sampling bias
- introduce sampling bias
Word family
Common mistakes
sample bias→sampling bias
biased sample→a biased sample / sampling bias
Say it for a higher band
5sample bias→6selection bias→7+sampling bias
Synonyms
selection bias
Easily confused
selection bias
“Selection bias occurred when healthier volunteers were more likely to join the study.”
Related words
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In Science & Research
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