Loss of subjects during the course of a research project usually introduces bias because
A) the resulting sample is too small
B) subjects are not lost on a random basis
C) descriptive statistics cannot be used on the resulting data
D) inferential statistics cannot be used on the resulting data

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Losing subjects on a non-random basis (such as those who drop out because they dislike the treatment) can introduce bias into the sample that remains. This bias can affect the validity and generalizability of the findings. The other options are not necessarily true in all cases. A small sample size can still be valid if it is representative and properly powered, and both descriptive and inferential statistics can be used on the resulting data as long as the assumptions are met.

Loss of Subjects During the Course of a Research Project