Inherent bias

The term "inherent bias" refers to the effect of underlying factors or assumptions that skew viewpoints a subject under discussion. There are multiple formal definitions of "inherent bias" which depend on the particular field of study.

In statistics, the term is used in relation to an inability to measure accuarately and directly what one would wish to measure, meaning that indirect measurements are used which might be subject to unknown distortions.

See also

• systemic bias and systematic bias, or cognitive bias
• implicit assumption, paradigm shift
• Hawthorne effect

References

• In opinion polls or statistics: "OECD Glossary of Statistical Terms - Inherent bias Definition" at OECD.org, April 2003, webpage: Statistical Terms - Inherent bias.
• In journalism: "Audeamus - How dare we...: The Press's Inherent Bias" at Audeamus.com (by Miche), September 2007, webpage: The Press's Inherent Bias.