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Large studies reveal how reference bias limits policy applications of self-report measures.
- Source :
-
Scientific reports [Sci Rep] 2022 Nov 10; Vol. 12 (1), pp. 19189. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Nov 10. - Publication Year :
- 2022
-
Abstract
- There is growing policy interest in identifying contexts that cultivate self-regulation. Doing so often entails comparing groups of individuals (e.g., from different schools). We show that self-report questionnaires-the most prevalent modality for assessing self-regulation-are prone to reference bias, defined as systematic error arising from differences in the implicit standards by which individuals evaluate behavior. In three studies, adolescents (N = 229,685) whose peers performed better academically rated themselves lower in self-regulation and held higher standards for self-regulation. This effect was not observed for task measures of self-regulation and led to paradoxical predictions of college persistence 6 years later. These findings suggest that standards for self-regulation vary by social group, limiting the policy applications of self-report questionnaires.<br /> (© 2022. The Author(s).)
- Subjects :
- Adolescent
Humans
Self Report
Bias
Surveys and Questionnaires
Schools
Policy
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 2045-2322
- Volume :
- 12
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Scientific reports
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 36357481
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-23373-9