A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What risk is associated with using self-report methods in Chaney et al's study?

1. Risk of bias from observers

2. Risk of bias due to self-report method

3. Inability to collect quantitative data

4. Insufficient sample size

The correct answer is: Risk of bias due to self-report method

In Chaney et al.'s study, the use of self-report methods carries the risk of bias due to reliance on the participants' subjective accounts of their experiences. Self-reporting may lead to inaccuracies because participants might not recall their behaviors or feelings accurately, or they might present themselves in a more favorable light due to social desirability effects. This intrinsic bias can skew the data, making it difficult to determine true patterns regarding the effectiveness of the intervention being tested. The potential for bias is particularly relevant in studies involving children or those with limited insight into their own experiences, which adds an additional layer of complexity. By depending on self-reported data, researchers must be cautious about the validity of the findings, as they are heavily influenced by the participants' personal interpretations and memory, rather than objective measures.