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In the study of deviant behavior, current heavy reliance upon data from anonymous questionnaires demands concern for data validity. Responses to anonymous questionnaires involving a wide range of deviant behavioral items, including the Dentler-Monroe and NyeShort delinquency scale items, were compared to responses made during a follow-up interview and polygraph examination. The overall accuracy of the total questionnaire was high although results indicate significant inaccuracy on those items used in delinquency scales. However, a high degree of association was found between the respondent order established by the scales using data from questionnaire and polygraph results. Response inaccuracy was highly related to declared personal norms and reference group norms.
Clark et al. (Mon,) studied this question.