====== Bias Assessment Tool ======

A **[[bias]] [[assessment tool]]** is a standardized [[instrument]] used to evaluate the **[[bias risk]]** in individual studies included in a [[systematic review]] or [[meta-analysis]].

These [[tool]]s help reviewers judge the internal validity of studies and assess how much trust can be placed in their results.

=== Purpose ===
  * Identify potential sources of systematic error  
  * Grade the **quality** and **credibility** of included studies  
  * Support transparent, evidence-based conclusions

=== Commonly Used Tools ===

^ Tool ^ Target Study Design ^ Description ^
| [[rob1|Cochrane RoB 1]] | Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) | Assesses seven domains of bias (e.g., selection, performance, detection) |
| [[rob2|Cochrane RoB 2]] | RCTs (updated version) | Focuses on bias at the outcome level; structured judgments with signalling questions |
| [[robins_i|ROBINS-I]] | Non-randomized studies | Evaluates bias across seven domains before and after intervention |
| [[newcastle_ottawa_scale|Newcastle-Ottawa Scale]] | Observational studies | Assesses selection, comparability, and outcome/exposure |
| [[amstar2|AMSTAR 2]] | Systematic reviews | Appraisal of reviews' methodological quality, especially in healthcare |