Memory decay and performance-related information bias in the reporting of scores by event riders

• Published in: Preventive veterinary medicine Vol. 63; no. 3; pp. 173 - 182
• Main Authors: Murray, J.K, Singer, E.R, Morgan, K.L, Proudman, C.J, French, N.P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 14.05.2004
• Subjects: Accidental Falls - prevention & control; Accidental Falls - statistics & numerical data; Animals; Athletic Injuries - epidemiology; Athletic Injuries - etiology; Athletic Injuries - prevention & control; Athletic Injuries - veterinary; Bias; Case-Control Studies; Cross-country; England - epidemiology; Horse; horses; Horses - injuries; Humans; memory; Memory decay; Memory Disorders; questionnaires; Reporting bias; Risk Factors; Sports - statistics & numerical data; Great Britain; Reporting bias; Memory decay; Risk factors; Cross-country; Horse
• ISSN: 0167-5877; 1873-1716
• DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2004.02.005

We used data from a case–control study investigating risk factors for horse falls in the cross-country phase of eventing in Great Britain (GB) to examine evidence for memory decay and information bias. Responses to two questions obtained by telephone for 173 cases and 521 controls were examined for evidence of differential reporting according to the respondent’s case–control status and performance in the dressage and cross-country phases of competitions. Information bias was found in the accuracy of reporting dressage penalty scores when analysed as a function of performance level (good/poor). Poor dressage performers were less likely to report accurate dressage scores than good performers. The accuracy of reporting dressage scores decreased as the time between the event and questionnaire completion increased, with no case–control interaction. Competitors who incurred cross-country jumping penalties at the event preceding the selected event reported their cross-country scores with less accuracy when compared with competitors who incurred no penalties. No information bias was found when the reporting of dressage and cross-country scores were analysed as a function of respondent category (case/control).