Response Bias

A systematic tendency for research participants to respond in a particular way regardless of the actual content of the question, distorting data collection and analysis. In accessibility research involving people with intellectual disabilities, acquiescence bias — the tendency to agree with statements or select the most positive option — is a well-documented concern when using standard survey instruments like Likert scales. This bias may stem from a desire to please the researcher, difficulty understanding the question, limited experience with expressing disagreement, or power dynamics between participants and authority figures. Researchers working with people with intellectual disabilities must employ alternative evaluation methods such as visual choice-based tools, behavioural observation, or communication aids to obtain more reliable feedback.