Published November 10, 2022
| Version v1
Journal article
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Large studies reveal how reference bias limits policy applications of self-report measures
Creators
- 1. University of Pennsylvania
- 2. University of Texas at Austin
- 3. University of Chicago
- 4. University of Pittsburgh
- 5. University of Colorado-Boulder
- 6. Mathematica, Inc.
Description
There is growing policy interest in identifying contexts that cultivate self-regulation. Doing so often entails comparing groups of individuals (e.g., from different schools). We show that self-report questionnaires—the most prevalent modality for assessing self-regulation—are prone to reference bias, defined as systematic error arising from differences in the implicit standards by which individuals evaluate behavior. In three studies, adolescents (N = 229,685) whose peers performed better academically rated themselves lower in self-regulation and held higher standards for self-regulation. This effect was not observed for task measures of self-regulation and led to paradoxical predictions of college persistence 6 years later. These findings suggest that standards for self-regulation vary by social group, limiting the policy applications of self-report questionnaires.
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Additional details
Identifiers
- DOI
- 10.1038/s41598-022-23373-9
- Other
- oai:uchicago.tind.io:5055
Funding
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- 10.13039/100000071 R01HD084772-01