How Do Incomplete Datasets Affect Epidemiological Studies?
The impact of incomplete datasets on epidemiological research can be profound:
Bias: Missing data can introduce bias, skewing results and leading to incorrect conclusions. Reduced Statistical Power: With less data available, the statistical power of a study decreases, weakening the ability to detect true effects or associations. Generalizability: Incomplete data can limit the generalizability of findings to the broader population.