Recall Bias: A Proposal for Assessment and Control

Probably every major text on epidemiology offers at
least some discussion of recall bias in retrospective
research. A potential for recall bias exists whenever
historical self-report information is elicited from
respondents. Thus-, the potential for its occurrence is
greatest in case-control studies or cross-sectional
studies which include retrospective components.
Recall bias is said to occur when accuracy of recall
regarding prior exposures is different for cases versus
controls.
The current paper will describe the process and consequences
of recall bias. Most critically, it will suggest
methods for assessment and adjustment of its effects.