We expect every research study to have some inherent random error because samples cannot exactly reflect the entire population. However, we hope to avoid bias. Bias is a systematic deviation from the truth, or systematic error. There are many different forms of bias because it can occur at any stage of the process from the conceptualization of the question, to the way the research is conducted, to the way the research is discussed and presented. Many different forms of bias have been described, and researchers should be aware of potential sources of bias and try to avoid them during the conduct of the research and during the publication process. 1 Clinicians need to worry about bias in research as it could lead to errors in evidence-based clinical decision-making.

1. Pannucci C.J., Wilkins E.G. NIH Public Access. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011; 126: 619-625 https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181de24bc.Identifying