Observation Bias

Observer bias (also called experimenter bias or research bias) is the tendency to see what we expect to see, or what we want to see. When a researcher studies a certain group, they usually come to an experiment with prior knowledge and subjective feelings about the group being studied.

What is the difference between observer bias and observer effects?

The related social-science term observer bias is error introduced into measurement when observers overemphasize behavior they expect to find and fail to notice behavior they do not expect.

When does observational bias occur?

Changes in the behavior or events under study that are caused by the observation process itself. Personal observation is usually more likely to have observation bias than mechanical observation. See the full article for more details.

What is observer error?

An error of observation or measurement due to failure of the observer to identify, measure accurately, or interpret some aspect of the phenomena that are being observed.

What is bias in an article?

Bias is any trend or deviation from the truth in data collection, data analysis, interpretation and publication which can cause false conclusions. Bias can occur either intentionally or unintentionally.