Which method is used to minimize demand characteristics in research?

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Multiple Choice

Which method is used to minimize demand characteristics in research?

Explanation:
Demand characteristics are cues that reveal the study’s aims, causing participants to change their behavior to fit what they think the researcher wants. Using deception hides the true purpose, so participants don’t guess the hypothesis and tailor their responses accordingly. This makes the data reflect genuine effects rather than participants trying to please or mislead the researcher. While neutral instructions or standardization can also help reduce bias, deception directly masks the study’s intent, which is why it’s the best fit for minimizing demand characteristics in this context.

Demand characteristics are cues that reveal the study’s aims, causing participants to change their behavior to fit what they think the researcher wants. Using deception hides the true purpose, so participants don’t guess the hypothesis and tailor their responses accordingly. This makes the data reflect genuine effects rather than participants trying to please or mislead the researcher. While neutral instructions or standardization can also help reduce bias, deception directly masks the study’s intent, which is why it’s the best fit for minimizing demand characteristics in this context.

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