Bias (also known as Bias, Epidemiologic, Epidemiologic Biases): Any deviation of results or inferences from the truth, or processes leading to such deviation. Bias can result from several sources: one-sided or systematic variations in measurement from the true value (systematic error); flaws in study design; deviation

NIH MeSH · D015982Health Care

Bias

Also known asBias, Epidemiologic · Epidemiologic Biases · Biase, Epidemiologic · Biases, Epidemiologic · Epidemiologic Biase · Biases · Ecological Bias · Ecological Biases · Bias, Ecological · Ecological Fallacies · Ecological Fallacy · Fallacies, Ecological

Definition

Any deviation of results or inferences from the truth, or processes leading to such deviation. Bias can result from several sources: one-sided or systematic variations in measurement from the true value (systematic error); flaws in study design; deviation of inferences, interpretations, or analyses based on flawed data or data collection; etc. There is no sense of prejudice or subjectivity implied in the assessment of bias under these conditions.

MeSH classification

  • N05.715.350.150
  • N06.850.490.500

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Related concepts

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Age of Onset

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Causality

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Cohort Effect

Variation in health status arising from different causal factors to which each birth cohort in a population is exposed as environment and so…

Comorbidity

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Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic

Factors that can cause or prevent the outcome of interest but are not intermediate variables of the factor(s) under investigation.

Common questions about Bias

What does Bias mean in medicine?
Any deviation of results or inferences from the truth, or processes leading to such deviation. Bias can result from several sources: one-sided or systematic variations in measurement from the true value (systematic error); flaws in study design; deviation of inferences, interpretations, or analyses based on flawed data or data collection; etc. There is no sense of prejudice or subjectivity implied in the assessment of bias under these conditions. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Bias known by any other names?
Yes. Bias is also referred to as Bias, Epidemiologic, Epidemiologic Biases, Biase, Epidemiologic, Biases, Epidemiologic in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Bias sit in the medical classification?
Bias falls under the broader medical category "Health Care" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: N05.715.350.150, N06.850.490.500). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Bias?
For a plain-language explanation of Bias - including symptoms, treatments and what it means for an Indian patient - ask GoDavaii's Health AI. It works in 22+ Indian languages, is free and needs no signup. Tap "Ask GoDavaii AI about Bias" above.

Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D015982) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗