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Central Tendency Bias
Central tendency bias is the tendency of respondents to avoid extreme options on a rating scale, clustering toward the middle.
Respondents may pick the middle option (e.g., 'Neither agree nor disagree') to feel safe or hedge their answer. Mitigation: use even-numbered scales (4-point or 6-point) that force a direction, or use unipolar scales that don't include a true middle.
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Likert Scale
A Likert scale is a survey rating scale with ordered response options (typically 5 or 7 points) used to measure attitudes, agreement, or frequency.
Response Bias
Response bias is any systematic tendency of respondents to answer questions inaccurately, either intentionally or unconsciously.
Acquiescence Bias
Acquiescence bias is the tendency of respondents to agree with statements regardless of their actual opinions.
Leading Question
A leading question is one whose wording suggests a particular answer, biasing the respondent toward it.
Social Desirability Bias
Social desirability bias is the tendency of respondents to answer in ways they believe will be viewed favorably by others.
Recall Bias
Recall bias is a systematic error caused by respondents inaccurately remembering past events, behaviors, or feelings — usually worsening with elapsed time.