Subject selection bias in alcoholics volunteering for a treatment study.
Baseline differences in alcoholism problem severity were compared between alcoholics who did and did not volunteer to participate in a treatment effectiveness study. A positive relationship was found between self-reports of alcohol-related problems and the degree of research participation. Group differences were also revealed in the rate of treatment completion. Possible explanations and solutions for this volunteer bias are discussed.
Strohmetz
D B
DB
Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Alterman
A I
AI
Walter
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003631:Day Care, Medical; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015983:Selection Bias