What term describes when a study group does not represent the population intended for study?

Selection bias refers to a systematic error that occurs when the participants included in a study do not accurately represent the larger population that the researchers intend to study. This can happen for various reasons, such as the criteria used for participant selection or the method of recruiting individuals. When a study group is not representative, the findings may not be generalizable to the intended population, potentially leading to inaccurate conclusions or recommendations.

This concept is crucial for the integrity of research as it affects the validity of the results. When selection bias is present, any associations made or patterns identified may not hold true for the wider population, which can skew the understanding of how effective or applicable certain interventions or behaviors might be outside the study conditions. Recognizing and addressing selection bias is essential for researchers to ensure that their studies yield reliable and applicable outcomes.