Final answer:
In the context of clinical trials, the term 'statistical bias' is not a commonly cited source of bias in methodology; rather, it's associated with errors in statistical analysis. Common sources of bias in trials include selection bias, assessment bias, and response bias.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sources of Bias in Clinical Trials
Bias in clinical trials can occur when there is a systematic error in study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, or review that results in a conclusion that is systematically different from the truth. Some common sources of bias include:
- Selection bias: This happens when the method by which a sample is chosen causes it to be unrepresentative of the population being studied.
- Assessment bias: Also known as detection bias, it occurs when there is a systematic difference in how outcomes are determined.
- Statistical bias: This generally refers to a bias in the statistical analysis that leads to incorrect conclusions, but is not a commonly cited source of bias in the design and execution of clinical trials as the term is more appropriate for statistical methods rather than trial design.
- Response bias: This type of bias occurs when participants in a study respond differently because they know they are being observed or they want to provide socially desirable answers.
Considering the given options, C. Statistical bias is NOT a commonly recognized source of bias in clinical trials as it typically relates to errors in statistical analysis rather than the methodology of the trial itself.