Question

the 4 factors limiting a respondents reliability and discuss how these factors can be controlled

Answer 1

The four factors limiting a respondents reliability are ;

1. Acquienscence Bias: This limiting factor is also called the "yeah bias" or "friendliness bias". This occurs mainly when the respondents tend to agree with researcher to have a cordial relation, or perceive them to experts. This factor can be controlled by replacing questions that the researcher finds it could evoke an yea answer, with such questions that would evoke a real response from the respondents
2. Social desirability bias: This bias occurs when respondents respond to the questions in a way which are most socially accepted. They tend to answer the questions related to social issues in a generalized most socially acceptable manner than speaking out their mind. This factor can be controlled by the researcher by encouraging them to respond by giving an unconditional positive regard, and phrasing that it's okay to speak out the reality. It could also be controlled when the questions involve a third-party response. Thus, the respondents would express their views using the third-party angle.
3. Habituation Bias: When the similar types of questions are repeated, it's the tendency to answer them in a similar manner without giving it a much thought. This is natural design by our brain to conserve our energy. So the respondents, respond to similar sounding questions in similar manner. To limit this bias, the researcher should vary the wording of the questions to evoke right answers, and also, should engage the respondents in an interesting conversation so that they may not feel bored or fatigued.
4. Sponsor Bias: This type of bias when the respondents know or suspect the sponsors of the research. This knowledge of sponsors influences the responses, because their attitude towards the sponsors have an impact on them. To avoid such bias, the researcher should take a neutral and independent stance, this would motivate the respondents to take the same, and a tendency to respond in a negative or positive manner due to the attitude towards the sponsor would be avoided.