Recall Bias

The term memory distortion or recall bias referred to in terms of a cognitive distortion a source of error, especially in retrospective studies.

This refers to distortions arising from the fact that the subjects are no longer correctly remember events or incidents in hindsight attach more or less importance than previously. A study design that is particularly prone to recall bias, is the so-called case-control study. It is used to identify risk factors for certain diseases. These patients are asked with this disease and those without this disease, whether these risk factors were present in the past with them. It may be that both sides after a long time can not remember exactly and make inaccurate information. In addition, patients with the disease have their own ideas of what the disease might have caused, and remember those risk factors or rather excessive.

To prevent recall bias, prospective studies are carried out.

• Sampling theory
• Clinical Research
• Cognitive distortion