How Do You Spell SOCIAL DESIRABILITIES?
Pronunciation: [sˈə͡ʊʃə͡l dɪzˌa͡ɪ͡əɹəbˈɪlɪtiz] (IPA) 
Pronunciation: [sˈə͡ʊʃə͡l dɪzˌa͡ɪ͡əɹəbˈɪlɪtiz] (IPA)
Social desirability refers to a concept in social psychology that refers to the tendency of individuals to present themselves in a manner that is acceptable and favorable to social norms, values, and expectations. It reflects the inclination of people to engage in impression management to create a positive impression of themselves to others. Social desirability is motivated by the desire to be liked, accepted, and respected by others, and to maintain a favorable self-image.
In various social situations, individuals may consciously or unconsciously alter their behavior, beliefs, opinions, or responses to conform to societal expectations or norms. This may involve adopting socially desirable attitudes, avoiding expressing controversial or unpopular opinions, or exaggerating socially approved qualities or behaviors, while suppressing socially disapproved traits or behaviors. The desire to be socially desirable can influence a range of behaviors, including responses to survey questions, self-reporting of behaviors, adherence to social norms, and conforming to stereotypes and cultural expectations.
The concept of social desirability is of particular significance in research and surveys where respondents' answers may be influenced by the need to present themselves in a socially desirable manner. Researchers often aim to account for social desirability biases as it can lead to inaccurate or skewed findings. By understanding the concept of social desirability, researchers can attempt to control for its effects and ensure greater validity and reliability in their studies.
The term "Social Desirability" is a compound word that consists of two parts: "social" and "desirability".
1. Social: The word "social" originates from the Latin word "socius", meaning "companion" or "ally". It was later adapted into Middle French as "social" in the 16th century, referring to "friendly" or "related to society". Ultimately, the term signifies relating to people, society, or interpersonal interactions.
2. Desirability: This word is derived from the adjective "desirable", which appeared around the 14th century in English. It comes from Old French "desirer" (to desire) and Latin "desiderare" (to long for or wish). The suffix "-ability" is added to the adjective "desirable" to form the noun form, indicating the quality or state of being desirable.
