Which statement about self-reporting instruments is accurate?

• A. They usually take shorter times to complete
• B. They require extensive training to complete
• C. They are longer than self-reporting measures
• D. They are rarely biased

Answer: (A)

Self-reporting instruments are designed for respondents to provide information about themselves, usually through questionnaires or surveys. Because people fill out the items themselves, these tools can be completed quickly and are practical for collecting data from many individuals. Administration typically requires little training for those delivering or collecting the data, and scoring can be standardized or automated. The statement that they are longer than self-reporting measures doesn’t fit, since these tools are designed to be efficient data-collection methods. Also, self-report data can be biased—due to social desirability, memory limits, or response styles—so the idea that they are rarely biased isn’t accurate.