Question 1

Which of the following is a common threat to accuracy in research?

Accepted Answer

All of the options listed are common threats to accuracy in research. Talking to the wrong people, receiving inaccurate responses, respondents' unwillingness or discomfort in providing accurate responses, and nonresponse bias can all significantly affect the validity and reliability of research findings.

Question 2

Patterns that cause nonresponse can introduce significant error to the study. This is called __________.

Accepted Answer

Nonresponse bias occurs when individuals who do not participate in a study differ significantly from those who do, potentially skewing the results and introducing error because the sample is not representative of the entire population.

Question 3

When some aspect of a study leads participants to believe there is a desired response, this is referred to as __________.

Accepted Answer

Demand characteristics refer to cues in an experiment that signal to participants what behavior is expected or desired by the researcher, potentially influencing their responses or actions to conform to these expectations.

Question 4

Respondents do not want to appear shallow, uneducated, easily persuadable, materialistic, conformist, or in any way deviant. This phenomenon is called __________.

Accepted Answer

Social desirability bias occurs when respondents answer questions in a manner that will be viewed favorably by others, often leading to overreporting of "good" behavior or underreporting of "bad" behavior.

Question 5

Which of the following is generally considered an adequate response rate in research?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is generally considered...

Question 6

Which of the following is/are ways to improve response rates for surveys?

Accepted Answer

All the options listed are recognized methods to improve survey response rates. A stamped return postage makes it easier for respondents to return the survey. A postcard follow-up can remind participants to complete and return the survey. Setting a cutoff date creates a sense of urgency. Offering a monetary incentive can motivate participants to take the time to respond.

Question 7

Who of the following are more likely to respond to a survey?

Accepted Answer

People who are highly educated are more likely to respond to surveys due to higher levels of engagement and understanding of the importance of research and data collection.

Question 8

Nonresponse bias is when a pattern of refusing to participate in a survey emerges when conducting research.

Accepted Answer

Nonresponse bias occurs when individuals who choose not to participate in a survey differ significantly from those who do, potentially skewing the results and making them unrepresentative of the entire population.

Question 9

A response rate of 50 percent is considered adequate for analysis and reporting.

Accepted Answer

A response rate of 50 percent is often considered adequate for analysis and reporting in many research contexts, as it suggests a reasonable level of engagement and can provide a solid basis for drawing conclusions, though higher rates are generally preferred.

Question 10

Even things like questionnaire color might influence the response rate.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that various design elements, including the color of a questionnaire, can influence response rates and the way respondents answer questions, due to factors like visual appeal and readability.

Question 11

A stamped outgoing envelope usually results in a lower response rate.

Accepted Answer

A stamped outgoing envelope typically results in a higher response rate because it is perceived as more personal and considerate, reducing the barrier for the recipient to respond.

Question 12

Providing a monetary incentive usually results in higher response rates.

Accepted Answer

Monetary incentives often increase response rates because they provide a tangible reward for participation, making individuals more likely to engage in the requested activity.

Question 13

A response of 60 percent is good; a response rate of 70 percent is very good.

Accepted Answer

The assessment of response rates as "good" or "very good" can vary depending on the context, such as surveys or marketing campaigns. However, generally, a 60 percent response rate is considered good, and a 70 percent response rate is considered very good, indicating a high level of engagement or interest from the targeted group.

Question 14

Respondents tend to be less educated and more ethnically or racially diverse than the overall population.

Accepted Answer

Respondents to surveys and studies often have higher levels of education and may not fully represent the ethnic or racial diversity of the overall population due to various factors such as accessibility, language barriers, and willingness to participate.

Question 15

What should researchers do to increase response rates?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What should researchers do to increase response...

Question 16

What is nonresponse bias and how can it be reduced?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is nonresponse bias and how can...

Quiz 21: Obtaining Accurate Responses