title: Methodological problems in the study of fears.
abstract: The purpose of this paper is to elucidate methodological problems in the study of fears and to make suggestions that will facilitate future research. The most basic problem begins with a definition of "fear". Other considerations include methods of assessment, classification, and the instruments used.
mesh_terms: D005239:Fear; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological / Q000379:methods; D010552:Personality Assessment; D010555:Personality Inventory; D010556:Personality Tests / Q000379:methods*; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000145:classification; D011594:Psychometrics; D012107:Research Design