selvrapporteringsbias

Selvrapporteringsbias refers to a systematic error that can occur in research when individuals provide information about themselves. This bias arises because people's self-perceptions and memories may not always be accurate or objective. It can manifest in various ways, including the tendency to present oneself in a favorable light, to recall information selectively, or to be influenced by social desirability.

For instance, in surveys or questionnaires, participants might overstate positive behaviors or achievements and understate negative ones to appear more acceptable to others or to themselves. This phenomenon is often linked to impression management. Additionally, memory recall is not perfect and can be distorted over time or influenced by current feelings, leading to inaccurate self-reports.

Researchers must be aware of self-reporting bias when designing studies and interpreting results. Methods to mitigate this bias include using multiple data sources, observational techniques, or carefully constructed questionnaires that minimize leading questions and provide anonymity. Understanding self-reporting bias is crucial for ensuring the validity and reliability of research findings that rely on individuals' accounts of their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.