Question

Don sometimes wonders why he keeps doing research with adolescents because it often seems as though they pay very little attention when completing the rating scales involved in his work. Don is concerned that their inattention will introduce ____ error.

A. Construct
B. Observer
C. Environmental
D. Participant

Answer 1

Don is concerned about 'participant error' in his research caused by adolescents' inattention during surveys, which affects data accuracy and reliability. Strategies for mitigating participant error include clear survey designs and ensuring participant understanding.

Step-by-step explanation:

Don is concerned that adolescents' inattention while completing rating scales in his research might introduce participant error. Participant error refers to biases or variability introduced by the individuals participating in the study, affecting the accuracy and reliability of the data collected. This type of error can arise from the participants' lack of attention, their misunderstanding of survey questions, or even willfully providing incorrect answers. To address participant error, researchers can implement strategies like ensuring clear and comprehensible survey design, and confirming the participants' understanding of what is being asked. Enhancing engagement can also reduce inattention and thus participant error.