Response Bias and Reliability in Sensitive Topic Surveys

Abstract Estimates of survey response bias and reliability are presented for six topics: receipt of welfare, income, alcohol use, drug use, criminal history, and embarrassing medical conditions. The estimates are derived from published full-design criterion validity studies. The common assumption that these characteristics are underreported is, in part, based on partial validity studies; the bias in estimating response parameters using partial designs is demonstrated. Evidence from the full-design studies suggests that the response biases for these topics center near zero but that the responses are unreliable or noisy. Implications for survey design and methodological research are considered.