Total Error = Systematic Error + Random Sampling Error
Errors
Systematic error Results from imperfections in
research design or mistakes in research execution.
Two sources – respondent error and administrative error.
Errors
Random sampling error Purely statistical problem involving
sample size.Has nothing to do with research
quality.
Systematic Errors
Respondent Error – Error resulting from some respondent action or inaction.
Respondent Error
Nonresponse error – Statistical differences between a survey that includes only those who responded and a perfect survey that would also include those who failed to respond.
Respondent Error
Deliberate falsification – Respondent may wish to appear “better” than s/he really is.
Respondent Error
Acquiescence Bias - Respondents are agreeable rather than truthful
Respondent Error
Auspices Bias - Response bias caused by respondent being influenced by the sponsor of the study
Respondent Error
Extremity bias - Respondents provide extreme responses to all questions
Respondent Error
Carelessness - Respondents do not read or complete survey carefully
Administrative Error
Data processing error- Involves incorrect data entry, coding, or programming.
Administrative Error
Sample selection error – Unrepresentative sample due to error in sample design.
Administrative Error
Unconscious Interviewer error – Interviewer misrecords answers.
Administrative Error
Interviewer cheating – Interviewer falsifies questionnaires.