---
title: "Central Tendency Bias — Definition & Formula | SpaceForms"
url: https://spaceforms.io/glossary/central-tendency-bias
description: "Central tendency bias is the tendency of respondents to avoid extreme options on a rating scale, clustering toward the middle."
lang: en
---

Home (https://spaceforms.io/) / Glossary (https://spaceforms.io/glossary) / Central Tendency Bias

# Central Tendency Bias

Central tendency bias is the tendency of respondents to avoid extreme options on a rating scale, clustering toward the middle.

Respondents may pick the middle option (e.g., 'Neither agree nor disagree') to feel safe or hedge their answer. Mitigation: use even-numbered scales (4-point or 6-point) that force a direction, or use unipolar scales that don't include a true middle.

### Run a Central Tendency Bias survey free

SpaceForms includes pre-built templates with validated wording. Unlimited responses on the free tier — no credit card.

Start free (https://spaceforms.io/free-survey-builder)

## Related terms

### Likert Scale

A Likert scale is a survey rating scale with ordered response options (typically 5 or 7 points) used to measure attitudes, agreement, or frequency.
https://spaceforms.io/glossary/likert-scale

### Response Bias

Response bias is any systematic tendency of respondents to answer questions inaccurately, either intentionally or unconsciously.
https://spaceforms.io/glossary/response-bias

### Acquiescence Bias

Acquiescence bias is the tendency of respondents to agree with statements regardless of their actual opinions.
https://spaceforms.io/glossary/acquiescence-bias

### Leading Question

A leading question is one whose wording suggests a particular answer, biasing the respondent toward it.
https://spaceforms.io/glossary/leading-question

### Social Desirability Bias

Social desirability bias is the tendency of respondents to answer in ways they believe will be viewed favorably by others.
https://spaceforms.io/glossary/social-desirability-bias

### Recall Bias

Recall bias is a systematic error caused by respondents inaccurately remembering past events, behaviors, or feelings — usually worsening with elapsed time.
https://spaceforms.io/glossary/recall-bias

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