Explain the concept of selection bias in experimental research.

Explain the concept of selection bias in experimental research.

Selection bias in experimental research refers to the distortion of results caused by the non-random selection of participants or units into different treatment groups. This bias occurs when the characteristics of the selected participants or units systematically differ between the treatment and control groups, leading to inaccurate or misleading conclusions. Selection bias can arise due to various factors, such as self-selection, non-response, or researcher bias in assigning participants to groups. It is crucial to minimize selection bias in experimental research to ensure the validity and generalizability of the findings.