Name one common type of bias in clinical trials.

Selection bias is a common type of bias in clinical trials that occurs when the participants included in a study are not representative of the larger population that the study aims to address. This bias can significantly impact the validity and generalizability of the trial's findings.

In clinical research, it is crucial to ensure that the sample population accurately reflects the population for whom the treatments or interventions are intended. If, for instance, participants are selectively chosen based on certain characteristics (such as age, gender, or health status), it may lead to skewed results that do not apply to a broader audience. This can result from various factors, including the way participants are recruited or how they decide to volunteer for the study.

The implications of selection bias can be profound, as they may lead to erroneous conclusions about the effectiveness or safety of an intervention, ultimately affecting clinical practice and patient care. Addressing selection bias often involves using randomization and ensuring appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria, thereby enhancing the credibility of the trial outcomes.