The impact of modes of administration on self-reports of offending: evidence from a methodological experiment with
Hugo S Gomes1, David P Farrington2, Marvin D Krohn3
1Psychology Research Centre (CIPsi/UM), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
Objectives:
Current knowledge about the causes of offending behavior is heavily reliant on self-reports of offending (SRO). However, methodological research on the impact of modes of administration on SRO is very scarce. Further, the existing evidence conflicts with the general knowledge about responding to sensitive questions. In this study, we aimed to test whether SRO are affected by modes of administration.
Methods:
We carried out a methodological experiment, with a 2 (interviewer-administered vs. self-administered surveys) × 2 (paper-and-pencil vs. computer- assisted surveys) factorial design. A total of 181 undergraduate students were randomly assigned to one of these conditions and completed the International Self-Report Delinquency 3 (ISRD3) questionnaire.
Results:
Findings showed an increased odds of reporting offending behavior in self-administered surveys, compared to face-to-face interviews. Paper-and-pencil and computer-assisted modes resulted in comparable estimates of offending.
Conclusions:
This experiment provides evidence that SRO provide more accurate estimates of offending behavior using self-administered surveys.
More Related Videos
08:33A Cross-Disciplinary and Multi-Modal Experimental Design for Studying Near-Real-Time Authentic Examination Experiences
Published on: September 4, 2019
05:40The Motivation for Alcohol Reward: Predictors of Progressive-Ratio Intravenous Alcohol Self-Administration in Humans
Published on: April 28, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Surveys
Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping
Self-Report Tests of Personality
Types of Reports III: Telephone and Verbal Reports
Here's an overview of each type:
Telephone Orders
The Stanford Prison Experiment
Self-Discrepancy Theory
