Selective use of data

Choosing which information to include or discard, for example when focusing on a particular subgroup; this may introduce bias if relevant contrary evidence is excluded.

Presenting only chosen evidence while omitting other relevant evidence, potentially creating a misleading conclusion.

Selective use of data can also mislead: presenting only quotations that support a conclusion while ignoring relevant contradictory accounts gives an incomplete picture.

Choosing which information to include or discard in an analysis, for example examining one pupil group in greater detail.

Selective use of data is not automatically biased: explain whether the selection is justified or leaves out evidence that challenges the conclusion.

Choosing which research information to use and which to leave out, for example to focus on a subgroup. Selection can produce a biased account if contrary evidence is excluded.

Definition

How each exam board covers it

AQA GCSE Sociology · 8192

Exam tips

Get more free notes every week

Definition

How each exam board covers it

AQA GCSE Sociology · 8192

Exam tips

Related key terms

Get more free notes every week