Using Bayesian methods to determine truth-telling in an online-based survey on aggression : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
Loading...
Files
Date
2024
DOI
Open Access Location
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Massey University
Rights
The author
Abstract
The desire to obtain truthful responses in research on sensitive matters has been explored widely over a number of years, and in a variety of fields. Researchers have regarded the Bayesian Truth Serum (BTS) and its application of incentive-based methods as the lead framework for reducing the effect of social desirability bias (SDB) on accurate and honest responses in research. BTS operates on the assumption we always portray ourselves to be better than we realistically are. By offering a financial incentive to provide honest answers, the expectation is people will share more sensitive and socially undesirable information about themselves, as motivated by financial rewards. 289 participants were recruited via Prolific and asked to complete an online-based survey regarding their aggressive attitudes and behaviours. Participants also provided estimates regarding the percentage of people in the general population who they believed would share the same perspective. Results indicate that while BTS may have encouraged participants to respond truthfully about the aggressive tendencies of themselves and others, the results were not significant. However, some findings were consistent with previous research in that males were found more likely to endorse the use of aggression in certain situations and were more likely to have engaged in aggressive behaviour (based on their tendency to respond positively to the use of aggression). In comparison, females were more likely to respond angrily when provoked, which lends support to existing research. In conclusion, our findings indicated the application of a financial-based incentive (BTS) did not produce significant differences between groups regarding the measurement of aggressive behaviour and perceptions. Despite this, results indicated the way participants responded to statements about aggression differed depending on the group they were assigned to. Discussed are future directions which may improve the success of BTS methodology in the field of aggression, and implications for future research in this area.