Home / Glossary / Response Bias
Response Bias
Response bias is any systematic tendency of respondents to answer questions inaccurately, either intentionally or unconsciously.
Common forms: social desirability bias (answering to look good), acquiescence bias (saying 'yes' regardless), central tendency bias (avoiding extremes), recall bias (memory errors), priming bias (preceding questions influence later answers). Mitigation: anonymous responses, balanced scales, randomized question order, and neutral wording.
Run a Response Bias survey free
SpaceForms includes pre-built templates with validated wording. Unlimited responses on the free tier — no credit card.
Start freeRelated terms
Social Desirability Bias
Social desirability bias is the tendency of respondents to answer in ways they believe will be viewed favorably by others.
Acquiescence Bias
Acquiescence bias is the tendency of respondents to agree with statements regardless of their actual opinions.
Central Tendency Bias
Central tendency bias is the tendency of respondents to avoid extreme options on a rating scale, clustering toward the middle.
Anonymous Survey
An anonymous survey collects responses without any personally identifying information.
Leading Question
A leading question is one whose wording suggests a particular answer, biasing the respondent toward it.
Recall Bias
Recall bias is a systematic error caused by respondents inaccurately remembering past events, behaviors, or feelings — usually worsening with elapsed time.