Relevant-irrelevant technique

The relevant-irrelevant technique is a psychological approach used to identify true preferences, attitudes, or beliefs by comparing responses to related and unrelated questions. It involves asking about a particular topic (relevant question) alongside an unrelated one (irrelevant question). By analyzing differences in responses, researchers can detect subconscious biases, hidden attitudes, or genuine feelings that might be concealed when people answer directly. This method helps uncover authentic opinions that individuals might not openly share, providing a more accurate understanding of their underlying beliefs without relying solely on direct self-reporting.