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GCSE Sociology · key term
A systematic influence that distorts research, its findings or its interpretation.
Used by AQA and Eduqas
Paper 1, Paper 2
Revise: Research terminology for studying familiesQuotas ensure those categories are included, but the researcher’s choice of individuals can introduce bias.
A one-sided influence or judgement which can distort research findings or interpretation.
Random sampling reduces researcher selection bias, but an incomplete sampling frame or non-response can still make the resulting sample unrepresentative.
Use precise terms such as validity, representativeness and bias rather than simply calling a source ‘good’ or ‘inaccurate’.
Create a free account to keep every note you open and track your progress.
A one-sided approach rather than a neutral one, which can distort research or its interpretation.
A systematic influence that distorts research or its findings.
Component 1
An influence that systematically favours a particular viewpoint or distorts the picture presented by research.
Revise: Sources of Secondary DataA charity may select facts that support its campaigning aims, creating a risk of bias. This does not mean that all charity statistics are false, or that every non-official source is poor quality. It means that researchers should examine the organisation's aims, its methods and the way it presents its findings rather than accepting the figures uncritically.
A systematic influence that distorts research findings, such as a researcher's expectations affecting how responses are interpreted.
