observationbias
Observation bias, also referred to as observer bias, is a systematic error that occurs during data collection when the observer’s expectations, beliefs, or subjective judgments influence what is recorded or how results are interpreted. It can affect both quantitative measurements and qualitative coding, leading to distorted outcomes.
The bias can arise from selective attention, selective recording, or biased scoring. Observers may overemphasize findings
Examples appear across fields. In clinical trials, unblinded assessors may rate symptoms more favorably for participants
Mitigation strategies include blinding observers to treatment allocation or hypotheses, using standardized and validated measurement instruments,
Observation bias is a key concern in research design and analysis, influencing validity and reliability of