Misclassification can arise due to various factors, including:
Inaccurate Measurement Tools: Using faulty or imprecise instruments to measure exposure levels can lead to misclassification. For example, outdated or poorly calibrated devices may not provide accurate readings of chemical concentrations in the environment.
Recall Bias: In retrospective studies, participants may not accurately remember past exposures. This recall bias can lead to differential misclassification if cases remember their exposures differently than controls.
Surrogate Measures: Sometimes, direct measurement of exposure is not feasible, so researchers use surrogate measures, such as job titles or residential proximity to industrial sites. These measures can be imprecise and lead to misclassification.
