Sampling Bias

A systematic error in research caused by non-random selection of participants, resulting in a sample that does not accurately represent the target population. In accessibility research, sampling bias is a significant concern because recruitment methods may exclude people with certain disabilities — for example, online recruitment excludes those without internet access, and inaccessible study materials prevent participation by the very people the research aims to serve. Additionally, participants who self-select into accessibility studies tend to be more tech-savvy and more connected to disability advocacy communities, potentially skewing results away from the experiences of less technically proficient or less connected individuals.