What effect may researcher bias have on data collection in qualitative research studies?

Researcher bias in quantitative research is inevitable and furthermore, as suggested by Strauss and Corbin (1998), it is also desirable, as the researchers bias is likely to provide deeper insight into the complexity of a subject. A researchers bias may be influenced through their beliefs, values or own ideas on a topic, translating onto the data, potentially favouring the researchers own expectations. This bias may be expressed in the researchers treatment of participants, in example favouring one participant over others and paying more attention to their responses. In settings such as focus groups and interviews, the physical response of a researcher can furthermore impact the data. The researchers expressions and actions, such as nodding or shaking of the head can encourage and discourage answers the participants may give, and therefore biases the collection of data. Although bias can never be fully eliminated, researchers can become more aware of how they may be influencing the data collection through reflexivity, reflecting on what may make them bias, and respond accordingly. In the case of physical interaction with the participants, neutral conduct can limit bias or when regarding the researchers own beliefs, values and ideas, outlining and assessing these in the research report, can give the reader a deeper understanding of the study and the discussed issue as a whole.