Word: Query Effect

Definition: The notion that people can and will make up an opinion about anything, and will do so if asked, regardless of how much thought they've given the answer.

Reference: I first came upon this term in a discussion about user interviews by Nielsen Norman Group. NNG warns UX practitioners to beware of this effect during interviews because it may result in disingenuous information regardless of user intent.

NNG writes:

"It's dangerous to make big design changes because "users didn't like this" or "users asked for that." If you ask leading questions or press respondents for answers, they might make up opinions that don't reflect their real preferences in the slightest."

Thoughts: User interviews provide extremely rich information but it is important to ask about a user's experiences instead of seeking opinions. Make sure to tread cautiously here. As Henry Ford famously said, "If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses." Keep that in mind!