Google Data Analytics Professional Certification Practice Test

What type of bias involves the influence of the observer on the data collection process?

1. Data bias

2. Observer bias

3. Selection bias

4. Response bias

The correct answer is: Observer bias

Observer bias occurs when the person collecting or analyzing the data influences the results of the study, often unintentionally. This type of bias can manifest in various ways, such as by allowing personal beliefs or expectations to affect how data is gathered or interpreted. For instance, if an observer expects a certain outcome, they may unintentionally record data in a way that supports that expectation, leading to skewed results. Identifying and minimizing observer bias is crucial in research and data analysis to ensure that the results are valid and reliable. This is particularly important in fields such as medical research, psychology, and social sciences, where the objectivity of the data collection process can significantly impact findings and conclusions. While other biases like data bias, selection bias, and response bias focus on different aspects of the data collection and analysis process, observer bias is specifically concerned with the effect of the observer's influence, making it the correct answer for this question.