Searchplex ID Retrieval terminology registry

Phenomenon

Position Bias

Canonical ID https://id.searchplex.net/position-bias/

A user-behavior bias in which items shown at higher positions receive more attention, clicks, or interaction because of their position, independent of their true relevance.

Also called

  • Rank Position Bias

Scope

Position bias affects click logs, implicit feedback, learning-to-rank data, and evaluation based on user interactions. It is closely related to presentation bias but should not be treated as relevance itself.

Observed terms

  • Presentation Bias academic
  • Examination Bias academic

Not equivalent to

  • Position Bias is not Ranking. Ranking orders items; position bias is a behavioral effect of the displayed order.
  • Position Bias is not Relevance. Position bias is caused by where an item is displayed; relevance is the item's usefulness or topical fit for the information need.
  • Position Bias is not Popularity Bias. Popularity bias concerns item popularity and exposure; position bias concerns the effect of display rank or position.

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