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Cultural Variations in the Effect of Interview Privacy and the Need for Social Conformity on Reporting Sensitive Information

Author

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  • Mneimneh Zeina M.
  • Pennell Beth-Ellen
  • Heeringa Steven G.

    (University of Michigan - Survey Research Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1248, U.S.A.)

  • Tourangeau Roger

    (Westat, 1600 Research Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20850, U.S.A.)

  • Elliott Michael R.

    (University of Michigan - School of Public Health, Dept. of Biost., M4041 SPH II, 1420 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, U.S.A.)

Abstract

Privacy is an important feature of the interview interaction mainly due to its potential effect on reporting information, especially sensitive information. Here we examine the effect of third-party presence on reporting both sensitive and relatively neutral outcomes. We investigate whether the effect of third-party presence on reporting sensitive information is moderated by the respondent’s need for social conformity and the respondent’s country of residence. Three types of outcomes are investigated: behavioral, attitudinal, and relatively neutral health events. Using data from 22,070 interviews and nine countries in the cross-national World Mental Health Survey Initiative, we fit multilevel logistic regression to study reporting effects on questions about suicidal behavior and marital ratings, and contrast these with questions about having high blood pressure, asthma, or arthritis. We find that there is an effect of third-party presence on reporting sensitive information and no effect on reporting of neutral information. Further, the effect of the interview privacy setting on reporting sensitive information is moderated by the need for social conformity and the cultural setting.

Suggested Citation

  • Mneimneh Zeina M. & Pennell Beth-Ellen & Heeringa Steven G. & Tourangeau Roger & Elliott Michael R., 2015. "Cultural Variations in the Effect of Interview Privacy and the Need for Social Conformity on Reporting Sensitive Information," Journal of Official Statistics, Sciendo, vol. 31(4), pages 673-697, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:offsta:v:31:y:2015:i:4:p:673-697:n:8
    DOI: 10.1515/jos-2015-0040
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Richard Bernardi, 2006. "Associations between Hofstede’s Cultural Constructs and Social Desirability Response Bias," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 65(1), pages 43-53, April.
    2. Gail Mitchell Hoyt & Frank J. Chaloupka, 1994. "Effect Of Survey Conditions On Self‐Reported Substance Use," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 12(3), pages 109-121, July.
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