Final answer:
Self-report methods in research have limitations such as potential biases, issues with validity, and discrepancies between reported attitudes and actual behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
Self-report methods are widely used in research focusing on individual and family development for their efficiency in collecting large amounts of data. However, these methods come with important limitations and considerations. The reliance on honest self-reporting means that the data's validity may be compromised by issues such as social desirability bias, where respondents might give answers that they believe will be viewed favorably by others, or memory inaccuracies.
Furthermore, self-reports can capture what people think and believe but may not accurately reflect their real-life behavior, leading to a gap between reported attitudes and actual actions. As an example, Ruth W. Howard's study of triplets showcased both the breadth of data survey methods can provide and the potential challenges inherent to self-reported information.