Sample interview questions: How do you address the potential implications of selection bias in your research?
Sample answer:
Addressing Selection Bias in Epidemiological Research
To mitigate potential selection bias, epidemiologists employ a comprehensive set of strategies:
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Random Sampling: Randomly selecting study participants from the target population ensures that the sample is representative and reduces the likelihood of bias arising from systematic differences between included and excluded individuals.
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Propensity Score Matching: This technique matches participants based on their propensity to be exposed to the intervention or outcome of interest. By creating comparable groups, propensity score matching minimizes imbalances that could lead to bias.
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Inverse Probability Weighting: This approach assigns weights to each participant based on their probability of being included in the study. By adjusting for differential inclusion probabilities, inverse probability weighting compensates for potential over- or under-representation of certain subgroups.
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Sensitivity Analyses: Epidemiologists conduct sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of their findings to potential sources of bias. By exploring different assumptions a… Read full answer
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