Alex, a freshman in college, wants to know how many of her dorm mates have tried marijuana, so she decides to survey everyone on her floor
Despite rumors to the contrary, the results suggest that fewer than ten percent of her classmates have tried the drug. What is the most likely explanation for her findings?
A) People being interviewed often change their answers to increase the chances that they will be viewed favorably.
B) Her dorm mates did not understand the question.
C) Alex did not calculate the findings correctly.
D) Surveys are not an acceptable means to gather new information
Answer: A
Rationale: Socially desirable responding occurs when research participants respond in ways that increase the chances that they will be viewed favorably. This type of bias is particularly relevant when the study involves an interview in which the researcher has face-to-face contact with the volunteers.
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