Bias

Math

Definition

A systematic error in data collection or analysis that causes results to consistently favor certain outcomes over others. Bias makes a sample unrepresentative of the population and can lead to invalid conclusions.

Examples

  • Surveying only students at a gym about exercise habits creates selection bias — the sample over-represents active people
  • A question like 'Don't you agree that...' introduces response bias by leading respondents toward a particular answer

Related Terms

Sampling methods Observational studies Experiments Outliers

Study This Concept

Practice bias with free review games in these units:

AP Statistics Unit 3: Collecting Data