Common source bias is a type of sampling bias that occurs when both dependent and independent variables are collected from the same group of people. This bias can distort research findings as it may lead to unreliable results, especially in fields like public administration where subjective measures can produce misleading evaluations of performance.
For instance, a survey conducted by an organization about employee satisfaction may show positive results if employees feel pressured to provide favorable responses due to fear of repercussions from their employer.
To mitigate common source bias, researchers can supplement survey data with external administrative or archival data, ensuring a more comprehensive view and reducing reliance on a single source.