Which methodological issue describes cues that influence participants to guess the study's purpose?

Which methodological issue describes cues that influence participants to guess the study's purpose?

• A. Observer bias
• B. Demand characteristics
• C. Sampling bias
• D. Reliability

Answer: (B)

Demand characteristics describe cues in the experimental setting that lead participants to guess the study's purpose and then modify their behavior to fit what they think is expected. This can make results reflect participants’ expectations more than their true responses, which is exactly what the question highlights. It’s different from observer bias, where the concern is the researcher’s influence on measurements or interpretations; from sampling bias, which comes from how participants are chosen; and from reliability, which is about the consistency of measurements over time. For example, if participants pick up on hints about the study’s aims, they might pace their responses to appear compliant or competent, not because of their genuine attitudes or abilities.

Demand characteristics describe cues in the experimental setting that lead participants to guess the study's purpose and then modify their behavior to fit what they think is expected. This can make results reflect participants’ expectations more than their true responses, which is exactly what the question highlights. It’s different from observer bias, where the concern is the researcher’s influence on measurements or interpretations; from sampling bias, which comes from how participants are chosen; and from reliability, which is about the consistency of measurements over time. For example, if participants pick up on hints about the study’s aims, they might pace their responses to appear compliant or competent, not because of their genuine attitudes or abilities.