Researchers Sometimes Include Survey Questions That Ask About Implausible or Nonexistent

question 211

Multiple Choice

Researchers sometimes include survey questions that ask about implausible or nonexistent things, like "Were you raised in Pago Pago?" or "Do your eyes twitch when you are near a radio?". Why do researchers do this?

• A) to identify response sets
• B) to blind the procedures
• C) to increase interrater reliability
• D) to prevent the halo effect

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Definitions:

Circumstantial Evidence

Evidence that relies on an inference to connect it to a conclusion of fact, unlike direct evidence that directly proves a fact.

Relevant Evidence

Information and facts presented in a legal proceeding that are directly related to the matter being decided and can influence the outcome.

Social Security Number

A unique identification number assigned to U.S. citizens and some residents to track earnings and benefits for social security purposes.

Tape-recording

The act of recording sound, especially conversations, onto magnetic tape as a means of keeping a record.