Önjelentéshajlam

Önjelentéshajlam, often translated as self-report inclination, is a construct used in survey methodology and psychometrics to describe an individual’s propensity to disclose information about themselves through self-report instruments. It encompasses motivational and perceptual factors that influence how people respond to questions about attitudes, behaviors, and characteristics.

Etymology and usage: the term is a compound derived from elements meaning “self-report” (önjelentés) and “inclination” or “tendency” (hajlam). It is encountered in Hungarian- and Turkish-language research as a way to discuss biases that affect the quality and nature of self-reported data, particularly in cross-cultural or cross-method studies.

Relationship to related concepts: önjelentéshajlam is related to broader response biases such as social desirability bias, acquiescence, and recall bias. It refers to a general propensity to reveal or withhold information in self-report formats and can interact with context, survey design, and topic sensitivity.

Measurement and assessment: researchers infer önjelentéshajlam indirectly, using validity checks, reverse-scored items, social desirability scales, or by comparing self-reports with objective records or third-party reports. Factor-analytic or structural equation modeling approaches may treat it as a latent variable that influences multiple self-report measures.

Applications and limitations: understanding önjelentéshajlam helps assess data quality in surveys, clinical assessments, and market research. Its magnitude can vary by topic, anonymity, mode of administration, and culture. Measurement remains challenging due to context dependence and potential confounding with other response styles.

See also: self-report, social desirability bias, response bias, survey methodology.