Alison is consulting her client, Jane, in a one-on-one therapy session. She wishes to observe Jane's openness and willingness to discuss personal issues to better understand how Jane might engage in group therapy. What is one potential risk of this approach if Jane knows the therapist’s specific goals for the session?
Practise this EPPP question free, then download the PDF, watch the video walkthrough, or unlock timed mock exams for the full web bank.
✓ Correct answer: B. Observer effectAnswer: Observer effect The observer effect occurs when an individual changes their behavior due to their awareness of being observed. In this case, Jane might alter her openness and willingness to discuss personal issues if she knows Alison’s specific goals, thereby impacting the validity of Alison’s assessment for group therapy. Confirmation bias is not applicable here as it refers to the tendency to search for, interpret, and favor information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions. Social desirability bias could be considered, but it specifically refers to individuals providing responses that are socially acceptable rather than truthful, which is related but distinct from the observer effect.
Keep practising. Use the free EPPP PDF, watch the YouTube walkthrough, or unlock all 10 web questions with timed mock exams.
Free practice here. Timed mocks when you are ready.
Study the EPPP Exam Test Prep 2026 free question explanations, download the PDF, then unlock timed mock exams on the web when you want exam-day practice.
Theory