The tendency of research participants to agree with statements or otherwise choose responses they believe are desirable answers, rather than reporting their true attitudes, behaviors, or preferences. Acquiescence bias may be conscious or subconscious. Some research suggests that response behaviors reflecting acquiescence bias may vary by education level. Acquiescence bias applies to both qualitative and quantitative research, and the risk can be mitigated by careful wording of questions and answer options (for example, many survey researchers avoid using “Agree/Disagree” scales).
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