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Bias: GCSE Sociology Definition

Raj Bonsor

Written by: Raj Bonsor

Reviewed by: Claire Neeson

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Contents

  1. 1. What is bias?
  2. 2. GCSE Sociology Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

What is bias?

In GCSE Sociology, bias occurs when prejudice or distortion affects the objectivity of research, data collection, or interpretation of research/data. It can occur in various forms, such as researcher or interviewer bias, where a sociologist’s personal beliefs influence the study, or social desirability bias, where participants give answers that present them in a better light rather than truthful ones. 

Bias can also be present in sampling methods if the group selected is not representative of the wider population. Recognising and minimising bias is crucial in sociological research to ensure that findings are valid, reliable, and reflective of true social patterns and behaviours.

GCSE Sociology Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

Explore bias in more detail and master other key research methods terms and concepts using our detailed GCSE revision notes. 

Explore GCSE Sociology Revision Resources


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Raj Bonsor

Author: Raj Bonsor

Expertise: Psychology & Sociology Content Creator

Raj joined Save My Exams in 2024 as a Senior Content Creator for Psychology & Sociology. Prior to this, she spent fifteen years in the classroom, teaching hundreds of GCSE and A Level students. She has experience as Subject Leader for Psychology and Sociology, and her favourite topics to teach are research methods (especially inferential statistics!) and attachment. She has also successfully taught a number of Level 3 subjects, including criminology, health & social care, and citizenship.

Claire Neeson

Author: Claire Neeson

Expertise: Psychology Content Creator

Claire has been teaching for 34 years, in the UK and overseas. She has taught GCSE, A-level and IB Psychology which has been a lot of fun and extremely exhausting! Claire is now a freelance Psychology teacher and content creator, producing textbooks, revision notes and (hopefully) exciting and interactive teaching materials for use in the classroom and for exam prep. Her passion (apart from Psychology of course) is roller skating and when she is not working (or watching 'Coronation Street') she can be found busting some impressive moves on her local roller rink.

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