Improving estimates of prevalence rates of sensitive behaviors: the randomized lists technique and consideration of self-reported honesty.

A study was conducted to examine the efficacy of the use of the Randomized Lists Technique (RLT) in combination with self-reported honesty in assessing and improving the validity of prevalence estimates of sexual behaviors among adolescents. Both techniques permit respondents to offer information t...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Journal of Sex Research Vol. 32; no. 2; pp. 107 - 118
Autores principales: Zimmerman, Rick S., Langer, Lilly M.
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Taylor & Francis Ltd 1995
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Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:A study was conducted to examine the efficacy of the use of the Randomized Lists Technique (RLT) in combination with self-reported honesty in assessing and improving the validity of prevalence estimates of sexual behaviors among adolescents. Both techniques permit respondents to offer information to the researcher about a sensitive behavior without having to report the behavior directly. The findings reveal that discrepancies in reporting are relatively frequent for sensitive behaviors and are much less frequent for nonsensitive behaviors. The combination of the RLT and weighting by reported honesty may produce the most accurate estimates of sensitive behaviors. The probability of underreporting is reduced by the RLT, and overreporting seems to be reduced through the use of honesty weights.