Researchers who operationally define the severity of substance abuse as a total score on a scale with multiple questions asking research participants to indicate how often they use various types of substances are using what source of data for their operational definition?
A) Direct observation.
B) Self-report.
C) Available records.
D) Direct observables.

Question

Researchers who operationally define the severity of substance abuse as a total score on a scale with multiple questions asking research participants to indicate how often they use various types of substances are using what source of data for their operational definition?​
A) ​Direct observation.
B) ​Self-report.
C) ​Available records.
D) ​Direct observables.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The researchers are using self-report data since they are asking the research participants themselves to report how often they use various types of substances. Direct observation would involve directly observing the participants using substances, available records would involve looking at records of substance use (such as medical records or arrest records), and direct observables is not a commonly used term in research.

Researchers Who Operationally Define the Severity of Substance Abuse as a Total