The study is retrospective. Participants were
asked to reflect and recall situations and decisions
that occurred in the past. Although most of the
questions refer to the recent past, the problem of
accurate recollection must be considered. On the other
hand, the time lapse may have served to gain a more
objective description of factors affecting choice in
that the responses were less "coloured" by an
emotionalism which may have initially surrounded the
choice. Individuals participating may also have felt a
need to justify their choice; this tendency must be
considered a possible limitation. As well,