Experimental bias resulting from using volunteers in alcoholism research.

Abstract

A study was conducted to investigate, in alcoholics receiving treatment, the relationships between demographic variables, personality factors, internal-external orientation, drinking history, and willingness to participate in research. The hypothesis was confirmed that in an alcoholic population receiving treatment, research volunteers would differ significantly from nonvolunteers. It was concluded that alcoholics voluntarily in treatment for alcoholism who also elect to participate in research are unrepresentative of the treatment population.