Asking Questions - The Definitive Guide To Questionnaire Design ...

ASKING THREATENING QUESTIONS ABOUT BEHAVIOR 115
Additional questions are useful at the end of the interview to
determine the respondent’s level of perceived threat. Validation, at
either an individual or aggregate level, is helpful.
Additional Reading
Much of the work in this chapter is based on research reported in
Improving Interview Method and Questionnaire Design (Bradburn,
Sudman, and Associates, 1979; see especially chaps. 1, 2, 5, 9, and
11). Research on the effects of anonymity on responses to threatening
drug questions is presented in Turner, Lessler, and Gfroerer
(1992). Additional information on the use of audio-CASIC methods
can be obtained from the Research Triangle Institute or the
National Institute on Drug Abuse. A description of the procedures
for validating drug reports is given in Mieczkowski (1999). Wentland
and Smith (1993, chap. 4) summarize a broad range of studies
on sensitive topics, including alcohol-related behavior, deviant
behavior, and sexual behavior.
Earlier research on anonymity has been done by Ash and
Abramson (1952), Colombotos (1969), Fischer (1946), Fuller
(1974), Hochstim (1967), and King (1970). For studies of randomized
response see Greenberg and others (1969); Horvitz, Shaw, and
Simmons (1967); and Reinmuth and Geurts (1975). The initial
paper on this topic was by Warner (1965).
Consult also the journals referred to in Chapter Two for other
examples of treatment of sensitive topics. In addition, in nearly any
given inquiry, specific questioning methods are continuously being
investigated. Advances in these areas may be specific to health reporting,
alcohol or drug use, financial behaviors, and risk-related
activities.