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Topic sensitivity still affects honest responding, even when specialized questioning techniques are used
Harriet Ibbett1, Leejiah J Dorward1, Edward M Kohi2
1School of Natural Sciences, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Bangor University, Bangor, UK.
Conservation Science and Practice
|June 28, 2023
Summary
Randomized Response Techniques (RRTs) may not accurately estimate sensitive conservation behaviors. Even when understood, RRTs may fail if respondents feel unprotected or wary of researchers, impacting honest responses.
Area of Science:
- Conservation science
- Social science research methods
Background:
- Conservation efforts require accurate data on rule-breaking behaviors.
- Randomized Response Techniques (RRTs) are used to estimate sensitive behaviors but have mixed effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of a forced-response RRT in estimating rule-breaking behaviors in Tanzania.
- To explore how topic sensitivity influences respondent adherence to RRT instructions.
Main Methods:
- A forced-response Randomized Response Technique (RRT) was used to estimate prevalence of five rule-breaking behaviors.
- A second experimental study investigated the influence of topic sensitivity on RRT compliance.
Main Results:
- RRT prevalence estimates were non-significant or negative, indicating the technique may not have functioned as intended.
- Respondents understood RRT instructions (~88% accuracy), but compliance varied based on the sensitivity of the behavior and response type.
Conclusions:
- RRTs may not yield accurate estimates of sensitive behaviors in conservation contexts, particularly when respondents are wary.
- Respondent adherence to RRTs is influenced by perceived topic sensitivity and required response format, challenging their utility for honest reporting.
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