American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

What is social desirability bias?

1. The tendency to provide socially accepted answers

2. Bias in screening methods that lengthen perceived survival

3. Loss of subjects leading to uncertainty in follow-up outcomes

4. A confusion of exposure and outcome relationships

The correct answer is: The tendency to provide socially accepted answers

Social desirability bias refers to the tendency of individuals to present themselves in a manner that is favorable in the eyes of others, often leading them to provide responses that align with societal norms or expectations rather than reflecting their true feelings or behaviors. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in surveys, interviews, and research studies, where participants may consciously or unconsciously alter their answers to appear more socially acceptable. This bias can affect the accuracy of data collected in various fields, particularly in social sciences and health-related research, where issues such as stigmatized behaviors or sensitive topics may be involved. For example, a participant might underreport behaviors such as smoking or drinking alcohol because they believe these actions are viewed negatively by society. The other choices describe different biases or methodological issues that do not relate to the concept of social desirability. Bias in screening methods pertains to how certain techniques may overestimate survival without reflecting true patient outcomes. Loss of subjects refers to attrition in studies, which can skew results and create uncertainty. Confusion of exposure and outcome relationships speaks to a different type of bias that complicates the interpretation of causality in research findings. Understanding social desirability bias is essential for designing more effective surveys and interpreting results accurately, minimizing the impact of this bias on data interpretation