prelim_assessmentask2

Assessment Task 2 - 2011


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Bias in data collection
BIAS IN DATA COLLECTION Bias is an inclination or preference that influences most aspects of the collection process; the result of bias during collection is inaccurate data leading to inaccurate outputs from the system. Those involved in collecting data must aim to minimize the amount of bias present.

When deciding on the data to collect bias can be introduced. Often incomplete data is collected with the aim of simplifying the system. For example it is common for loan applications to collect data on a person’s income based entirely on their last few tax returns. This data is used to assess each individual’s ability to repay the loan; the assumption being that an individual’s income is likely to remain relatively constant over time. In fact many people, particularly those who own or operate businesses, are able to adjust their income to suit their expenses. By simply collecting past income data the success of each loan application is biased in favour of salary and wage earners at the expense of business owners.

Locating or identifying a suitable source of data for collection is another potential area where bias can occur. Often efficiency of data collection means that the cheapest or most available source of data is used rather than the best source of data. Consider surveys; the data source for all surveys should aim to be a representative sample of the entire population. However for ease of collection many organisations collect survey data from users over the Internet. Internet users, in most cases, are not a representative sample of the population; in general Internet users are younger, have higher incomes and possess higher technology skills than the general population. Consequently results derived from such surveys will not accurately reflect the entire population.

The collecting process itself should take into account the likely perceptions held by those on whom the data is collected. People answer questions and fill out forms differently based on their perception of how the data will be used. For example a survey conducted by the Australian Taxation Office is likely to yield different results to a similar survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of statistics. Individuals would likely perceive the tax office as being interested in their individual responses whereas a survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics is more likely to be viewed as truly anonymous. (Source: Davis, S (2009) //**Information Processes and Technology - The HSC Course** Sydney:Parramatta Education Centre Ltd)//

Student Work Samples
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