Which phenomenon involves the tendency for some survey respondents to misrepresent their attitudes?

The phenomenon that involves the tendency for some survey respondents to misrepresent their attitudes is known as social desirability bias. This occurs when individuals provide responses they believe are more socially acceptable or favorable rather than their true thoughts or feelings. Respondents may feel pressured to conform to societal norms or expectations, leading them to underreport undesirable behaviors or overreport positive ones. This bias can significantly impact the validity of survey results, as it distorts the actual opinions or behaviors of the individuals being surveyed.

In research, it's essential to recognize social desirability bias because it can lead to inaccurate data, impacting the study's outcomes and the conclusions drawn from it. Understanding this bias helps researchers design better questionnaires that minimize its effects, such as by ensuring anonymity or framing questions in a way that reduces social pressure.