Which is a weakness of questionnaires?

Which is a weakness of questionnaires?

• A. They always yield accurate data
• B. They cannot be completed without researcher presence
• C. They never suffer from misinterpretation
• D. They can produce response bias

Answer: (D)

Response bias is a key weakness of questionnaires. Because these rely on self-report, participants may tailor their answers to look better (social desirability) or to fit what they think the researcher wants to hear, or they may misunderstand questions. This can distort the data, making responses appear more accurate or representative than they really are and thus reducing validity. The other statements aren’t as accurate: questionnaires don’t always yield accurate data, they can often be completed without a researcher present, and misinterpretation can occur, so the most relevant weakness highlighted here is the potential for response bias.

Response bias is a key weakness of questionnaires. Because these rely on self-report, participants may tailor their answers to look better (social desirability) or to fit what they think the researcher wants to hear, or they may misunderstand questions. This can distort the data, making responses appear more accurate or representative than they really are and thus reducing validity. The other statements aren’t as accurate: questionnaires don’t always yield accurate data, they can often be completed without a researcher present, and misinterpretation can occur, so the most relevant weakness highlighted here is the potential for response bias.