Experimenter bias is a phenomenon that occurs when the researcher's expectations or beliefs about the outcome of an experiment influence the results. This bias can occur in various ways, such as the selection of participants, the design of the study, the interpretation of data, and the reporting of results. Experimenter bias can be intentional or unintentional, and it can have a significant impact on the validity and reliability of the study. One way experimenter bias can occur is through the selection of participants. If the researcher has a preconceived notion about a particular group of people, they may unconsciously select participants who fit that stereotype. This can lead to a biased sample that does not accurately represent the population being studied. Another way experimenter bias can occur is through the design of the study. The researcher may unconsciously design the study in a way that supports their hypothesis, such as using a particular method or manipulating variables in a way that favors their expected outcome. Interpretation of data is another area where experimenter bias can occur. Researchers may unconsciously interpret data in a way that supports their hypothesis, even if the data does not actually support it. This can lead to inaccurate conclusions and a distorted understanding of the phenomenon being studied. Finally, experimenter bias can occur in the reporting of results. Researchers may selectively report data that supports their hypothesis while ignoring data that contradicts it. This can lead to a biased presentation of the results and a distorted understanding of the phenomenon being studied. Overall, experimenter bias is a significant concern in research and can have a significant impact on the validity and reliability of results. It is important for researchers to be aware of their own biases and to take steps to minimize their influence on the study.
cognitive bias, validity, reliability, sample selection, study design, data interpretation, reporting of results
Experimenter bias is when the person running an experiment influences the results of the experiment. For example, an 8 year old might do an experiment to see if a plant grows better when it is watered with milk or with juice. If the experimenter wants the plant to grow better with milk, they might water it more often with milk than with juice and this would influence the results of the experiment. Experimenter bias is a cognitive bias and a logical fallacy because it prevents the experiment from being impartial and objective.
Experimenter effect, observer effect, confirmation bias.
Experimenter bias is a cognitive bias in which the researcher's expectations, beliefs, or hypotheses about the study's results can influence the outcome. This bias can manifest itself in various ways such as the researcher's choice of research methods, the interpretation of results, or the reporting of results. Experimenter bias can be unintentional and is often difficult to detect. It is important to consider experimenter bias when designing experiments in order to ensure the validity and reliability of results.
Experimenter bias, cognitive bias, logical fallacy, research methods, interpretation of results.
CITATION : "Jessica Adams. 'Experimenter Bias.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=213622 (Accessed on July 02, 2025)"
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