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The impact of modes of administration on self-reports of offending: evidence from a methodological experiment with university students

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Resumo: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) x 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.
Autores principais:Gomes, Hugo S.
Outros Autores:Farrington, David P.; Krohn, Marvin D.; Cunha, Ana; Jurdi, Julia; Sousa, Barbara; Morgado, Diogo; Hoft, Joseph; Hartsell, Elizabeth; Kassem, Leigh; Maia, Angela
Assunto:Measurement error Survey methodology Modes of administration Mode effects Sensitive questions Delinquency
Ano:2022
País:Portugal
Tipo de documento:artigo
Tipo de acesso:acesso aberto
Instituição associada:Universidade do Minho
Idioma:inglês
Origem:RepositóriUM - Universidade do Minho
Descrição
Resumo: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) x 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.