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Can They and Will They? Exploring Proxy Response of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in the Current Population Survey

Author

Listed:
  • Holzberg Jessica
  • Ellis Renee
  • Virgile Matt

    (US. Census Bureau, Center for Behavioral Science Methods, 4600 Silver Hill Road, Washington, DC 20233, U.S.A.)

  • Kaplan Robin
  • Edgar Jennifer

    (US. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Survey Methods Research, Suite 5930, 2 Massachusetts Ave., NE, Washington, DC 20212, U.S.A.)

Abstract

Within the United States Federal Statistical System, there has been interest in capturing sexual orientation (SO) and gender identity (GI), collectively known as SOGI, on surveys to allow researchers to estimate the size and distribution of sexual and gender minority populations. SOGI measurement in federal surveys may also help to identify disparities between people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) and those who do not in domains such as health, crime, or employment. Although research has been conducted on best practices for SOGI measurement in surveys, it has largely been limited to examination of self-reports. Many federal surveys use proxy reports, when one person generally responds for all household members. This research used cognitive interviews and focus groups to explore proxy response to SOGI questions. We explored potential sources of measurement error in proxy responses to SOGI questions, including sensitivity, difficulty, as well as the willingness and ability of respondents to answer SOGI questions about other household members. We also conducted paired interviews with members of the same household to assess level of agreement for SOGI questions. Findings suggest that measuring SOGI by proxy may be feasible in federal large-scale, general population surveys.

Suggested Citation

  • Holzberg Jessica & Ellis Renee & Virgile Matt & Kaplan Robin & Edgar Jennifer, 2019. "Can They and Will They? Exploring Proxy Response of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in the Current Population Survey," Journal of Official Statistics, Sciendo, vol. 35(4), pages 885-911, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:offsta:v:35:y:2019:i:4:p:885-911:n:9
    DOI: 10.2478/jos-2019-0037
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jennifer Edgar & Joe Murphy & Michael Keating, 2016. "Comparing Traditional and Crowdsourcing Methods for Pretesting Survey Questions," SAGE Open, , vol. 6(4), pages 21582440166, October.
    2. Todorov, A. & Kirchner, C., 2000. "Bias in proxies' reports of disability: Data from the National Health Interview Survey on disability," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 90(8), pages 1248-1253.
    3. Barbara Bickart & Joan Phillips & Johnny Blair, 2006. "The effects of discussion and question wording on self and proxy reports of behavioral frequencies," Marketing Letters, Springer, vol. 17(3), pages 167-180, July.
    4. Mellow, Wesley & Sider, Hal, 1983. "Accuracy of Response in Labor Market Surveys: Evidence and Implications," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 1(4), pages 331-344, October.
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