Bias resulting from the choice of sample and results of cross-national analyses of suicide rates

Although many cross-national studies of suicide rates have appeared, no research has explored the extent to which the results of the study depend upon the choice of the sample. The present note explores the relationship between the quality of life and suicide rates using different criteria to choose a sample of nations. It was found that restricting the sample to European or industrialized nations gave different results to the use of a total sample or one chosen so as to sample randomly from all regions of the world.Auburn University