Survivorship bias and its implications in dental research and literature

Authors

  • Leanne Sykes Head of Department of Prosthodontics, University of Pretoria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2002-6238
  • George P Babiolakis Department of Prosthodontics, University of Pretoria, South Africa
  • Londiwe V Mkhonza Developmental post, Dentist, Department of Prosthodontics, University of Pretoria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/2519-0105/2022/v77no1a8

Keywords:

postulated, aesthetics

Abstract

What does the Texan sharpshooter, the World War 2 American air force, The Taj Mahal, cherry farming, and dentistry have in common? They have all been the subject of Survivorship bias. This paper will discuss the concept of survivorship bias in research by using examples of flaws in study designs or interpretation of data. It aims to serve as a caution to practitioners of the need to be aware and critical when reading literature and manufacturers' reports before making decisions regarding materials choices and treatment protocols to follow

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Published

2022-03-08

How to Cite

Survivorship bias and its implications in dental research and literature. (2022). South African Dental Journal, 77(01), 39-42. https://doi.org/10.17159/2519-0105/2022/v77no1a8