What is systematic deviation of results or inferences from the true value referred to?

The term that describes the systematic deviation of results or inferences from the true value is referred to as bias. Bias occurs when there is a consistent, replicable error in the results of a study, leading to conclusions that do not accurately reflect the true state of the phenomenon being studied. This can be caused by various factors such as flawed study design, data collection errors, or interpretative misunderstandings.

Recognizing and minimizing bias is crucial in research to ensure that the findings are valid and can be trusted to guide decisions or further research. Understanding the sources of bias is essential for researchers in designing their studies and analyzing their results correctly.