Methodological issues in peer influences research

• What are the main methodological issues in peer influence research?

  • self-report bias - participants may not accurately report their behaviours

  • correlational research - cannot determine causation between peer behaviour and addiction
• Why is defining peer relationships difficult in research?

  • friendship groups change over time, and people have different friends for different activities
• Why are experimental studies on peer influence difficult in humans?

  • researchers cannot ethically or practically manipulate friendships to test direct peer influence
• How did Smith (2012) study peer influence in rats?

  • rats were more likely to self-administer cocaine when another rat was also using it, showing peer influence in addiction