Changes that occur in the sample in a longitudinal study over time that make it less representative than it was at the start of the study create
A) a cohort effect.
B) perceptual bias.
C) sample bias.
D) generalization deficits.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sample bias occurs when changes in the sample over time make it less representative than it was at the beginning of the study. This can happen due to attrition, where participants drop out or are lost to follow-up, or due to other changes such as selective mortality or migration. Perceptual bias refers to a distortion of perception or interpretation based on cognitive or motivational factors, while a cohort effect refers to differences in outcomes between different groups of people due to their shared experiences. Generalization deficits refer to limitations in the extent to which study findings can be generalized to other populations or settings, and are not directly related to changes in the sample itself.

Changes That Occur in the Sample in a Longitudinal Study