When a Survey Respondent Does Not Answer Honestly, How Are

question 124

Multiple Choice

When a survey respondent does not answer honestly, how are they probably forming responses?

• A)They probably are underreporting behaviors that are embarrassing or that could be illegal.
• B)They are probably overreporting behaviors that are bizarre or extreme in order to invalidate the survey results.
• C)They are probably randomly making responses to questions.
• D)They may hide information that they either fear or are embarrassed to reveal, or they may exaggerate to get attention or to play with the survey.

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Definitions:

Rationalization

A defense mechanism where controversial behaviors or feelings are justified and explained in a seemingly rational or logical manner to avoid the true explanation.

Defense Mechanism

Psychological strategies brought into play by the unconscious mind to manipulate, deny, or distort reality in order to defend against feelings of anxiety and unacceptable impulses and maintain self-schema.

Threatening

Presenting a danger or harm, creating a sense of fear or insecurity.

Neo-Freudian

A term referring to psychologists who accepted the basic components of Freud's theory but modified and expanded upon them.