@article{ref1,
title="Sound an Alarm: The Problem of Bias",
journal="Journal of research in crime and delinquency",
year="1968",
author="Smith, G. W. and Wilkins, L. T.",
volume="5",
number="2",
pages="115-121",
abstract="Considerable research is conducted which fails to examine the problems associated with non-sampling bias--a bias introduced by loss of information due to non-coverage or observation error. It is extremely important for the researcher to analyze his data for possible bias as well as to assess the possible effect a discovered bias might have on the results. This paper demonstrates how a relatively small loss of information caused by a 9.3 per cent loss of data from a total sample of nearly 20,000 cases effectively re duced the power of the sample to less than 2,000 cases. The assumption that a loss of information does not result in serious bias is not justifiable. Too few researchers realize that a very large, carelessly chosen sample that contains a bias for which it is difficult to adjust is not preferable to a smaller, carefully con trolled random sample. The latter frequently costs less and may yield more valid and reliable results.<p />",
language="",
issn="0022-4278",
doi="10.1177/002242786800500203",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/002242786800500203"
}