 |
|
Don't flatter yourself: Why survey research can be flawed
February 24, 2009We all do things to impress others-exaggerate our accomplishments, downplay our faults, even fib on surveys. A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research sheds light on why we don't tell the strict truth about ourselves in surveys and what, if anything, can be done about it.
"The tendency of people to portray themselves in a more favorable light than their thoughts or actions, called socially desirable responding, is a problem that affects the validity of statistics and surveys worldwide," writes author Ashok K. Lalwani (University of Texas at San Antonio).
When asked about their own behavior in relation to materialism, compulsive buying, drug and alcohol addiction, cigarette smoking, shoplifting, gambling, prostitution, and intolerant attitudes, people tend to answer in a less than candid manner.
The research teased out two separate forms of "socially desirable responding," and found that people's cultural orientations lead them to different forms. For example, people from cultures that have a "collectivist orientation" (China, Korea, India, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan) are more likely to engage in impression management, which is "a deliberate, strategic presentation of a socially approved image of the self."
Impression management is "a conscious, active and deliberate attempt to fake good behavior in front of a real or imagined audience," writes Lalwani. That need to give the "right" answer can be reduced by keeping survey participants "cognitively busy" by playing background music during surveys, he found.
In contrast, consumers with an individualist cultural orientation (the United States, Canada, France, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany) are more likely to engage in self-enhancement, which is "a spontaneous tendency to present an internalized, unrealistically positive view of the self." This behavior is so unconscious that there is little that can be done to curtail it.
The study can help researchers evaluate the validity of survey responses in light of people's tendency toward socially desirable responding. It also helps consumers predict their own behavior and potentially modify it.
University of Chicago Press Journals
The research teased out two separate forms of "socially desirable responding," and found that people's cultural orientations lead them to different forms. For example, people from cultures that have a "collectivist orientation" (China, Korea, India, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan) are more likely to engage in impression management, which is "a deliberate, strategic presentation of a socially approved image of the self."
Impression management is "a conscious, active and deliberate attempt to fake good behavior in front of a real or imagined audience," writes Lalwani. That need to give the "right" answer can be reduced by keeping survey participants "cognitively busy" by playing background music during surveys, he found.
In contrast, consumers with an individualist cultural orientation (the United States, Canada, France, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany) are more likely to engage in self-enhancement, which is "a spontaneous tendency to present an internalized, unrealistically positive view of the self." This behavior is so unconscious that there is little that can be done to curtail it.
The study can help researchers evaluate the validity of survey responses in light of people's tendency toward socially desirable responding. It also helps consumers predict their own behavior and potentially modify it.
University of Chicago Press Journals
Behavior Current Events and Behavior News RSSComputational microscope peers into the working ribosome
Two new studies reveal in unprecedented detail how the ribosome interacts with other molecules to assemble new proteins and guide them toward their destination in biological cells.
Possible Link Studied Between Childhood Abuse and Early Cellular Aging
Children who suffer physical or emotional abuse may be faced with accelerated cellular aging as adults, according to new research from Butler Hospital and Brown University.
Daycare may double TV time for young children, study finds
In a new study, the amount of television viewed by many young children in child care settings doubles the previous estimates of early childhood screen time, with those in home-based settings watching significantly more on average than those in center-based daycares.
Women Can Quit Smoking and Control Weight Gain
Many women don't quit smoking because they are afraid of gaining weight. That's because nicotine suppresses the appetite and boosts a smoker's metabolism.
Shifting blame is socially contagious
Merely observing someone publicly blame an individual in an organization for a problem - even when the target is innocent - greatly increases the odds that the practice of blaming others will spread with the tenacity of the H1N1 flu, according to new research from the USC Marshall School of Business and Stanford University.
Cognitive dysfunction reversed in mouse model of Down syndrome
A study by neuroscientist William C. Mobley, MD, PhD, chair of the Department of Neurosciences at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, and colleagues at Stanford University Medical School has demonstrated a possible new approach to slowing the inevitable progression of cognitive decline found in Down's syndrome.
Scientists Unravel Evolution of Highly Toxic Box Jellyfish
With thousands of stinging cells that can emit deadly venom from tentacles that can reach ten feet in length, the 50 or so species of box jellyfish have long been of interest to scientists and to the public. Yet little has been known about the evolution of this early branch in the animal tree of life.
Full recovery now possible for an 'untreatable' mental illness
Patients coping with the chaos and misery of Borderline Personality Disorder now have reason for strong confidence in making major life changes through a new treatment, Schema Therapy.
New study confirms exotic electric properties of graphene
First, it was the soccer-ball-shaped molecules dubbed buckyballs. Then it was the cylindrically shaped nanotubes. Now, the hottest new material in physics and nanotechnology is graphene: a remarkably flat molecule made of carbon atoms arranged in hexagonal rings much like molecular chicken wire.
To eat or not to eat? Mental budgets help control consumption
If you feel like you're in a losing battle with a triple-chocolate cake, a "mental budget" can help, according to a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research.
More Behavior Current Events and Behavior News Articles
 |
The Behavior Survival Guide for Kids: How to Make Good Choices and Stay Out of Trouble by Thomas McIntyre (Editor) Kids who are labeled BD (or ED, EBD, or SED) struggle every day—with their peers, teachers, parents, and themselves. It’s no fun to be labeled, and nobody wants to have behavior problems. Often, however, kids who get in trouble a lot don’t know how else to act. This book can help them improve their behavior and their lives. Modeled after our best-selling SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR KIDS WITH LD, THE BEHAVIOR SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR KIDS guides readers to better understand themselves and the problems their behavior creates. "Dr. Mac" describes what BD is (and isn’t), the types and causes of BD, and special school programs for kids with BD. He suggests many strategies kids can use to handle strong feelings and make positive choices. Stories and quotes from real kids let readers know they’re... |
 |
If You Had to Choose, What Would You Do? by Sandra McLeod Humphrey (Author), Brian Strassburg (Illustrator) This is an interactive book about moral choices for children 6-12. There are 25 stories about moral dilemmas and the reader is asked what he or she would do in that situation. Each story is also followed by thought questions which stimulate great discussions both in the home and in the classroom. The stories are fun for the kids to read and they get them thinking and talking about important moral issues. The book has received excellent reviews and is a wonderful resource for both the home and the classroom. |
 |
Behavior. by Pet Shop Boys Pet Shop Boys, Behavior |
 |
School Rules (Rookie Choices) by Larry Dane Brimner (Author), Christine Tripp (Illustrator) Alex, Three J, Gabby, and their classmates decide on rules of behavior so that the class can work well together. |
 |
Feet Are Not for Kicking (Board Book) (Best Behavior Series) by Elizabeth Verdick (Author), Marieka Heinlen (Illustrator) "Look at those feet! Aren't they sweet?" Yes-when they're walking, standing, leaping, and landing. And when they're kicking balls or leaves. But not when they're kicking people! In simple words and charming full-color illustrations, this book helps little ones learn to use their feet for fun, not in anger or frustration. It also includes tips for parents and caregivers on how to help toddlers be sweet with their feet. Change age or reading level to: Baby-Preschool. |
 |
Applied Behavior Analysis (2nd Edition) by John O. Cooper (Author), Timothy E. Heron (Author), William L. Heward (Author) For courses of Behavior Management in Special Education.Changing behavior can be at once a challenging, perplexing, and frustrating endeavor. The challenge lies in recognizing what to do and how to do it. |
 |
Behavior by Pet Shop Boys Pet Shop Boys, Behavior |
 |
Redirecting Children's Behavior by Kathryn J. Kvols (Author), Bill Riedler (Author), Parenting Press (Author) |
 |
Disturbing Behavior Starring: James Marsden, Katie Holmes, Nick Stahl, Tobias Mehler, Steve Railsback Directed By: David Nutter Also With: Armyan Bernstein (Producer), Brent O'Connor (Producer), C.O. Erickson (Producer), Elisabeth Seldes (Producer), Jonathan Shestack (Producer), Max Wong (Producer), Scott Rosenberg (Writer) Hot stars James Marsden ("Bella Mafia"), Katie Holmes ("Dawson's Creek") and Nick Stahl (The Thin Red Line) set the screen ablaze in this breathlessly fast-paced jolt-fest from veteran "X-Files" director David Nutter. Written by Scott Rosenburg (Con-Air) and featuring a hip soundtrackfrom the hottest bands around, this "clutch-your-armrest thriller" (Teen People) will pull you into the undercurrent of a deranged high school cliqueand drag you away screaming! Achieve, be excellent...and be afraid. For when the esteemed Blue Ribbon club of Cradle Bay High take their slogans too far, things in the small coastal town begin to go wrong. Dead wrong. And when a "dark sinister force" begins turning the school's curricularly challenged into the soulless, academic elitethree "outsiders" join in a... |
 |
Human Behavior (LPVersion) Bjork (Primary Contributor) |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |