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Designing randomized response surveys to support honest answers to stigmatizing questions

Author

Listed:
  • James C. D. Fisher

    (PNC Financial Services)

  • Timothy J. Flannery

    (Missouri State University)

Abstract

Randomized response survey methods use noise to mask respondents’ answers to stigmatizing questions in an attempt to elicit honest responses. Respondents weigh the preference for honesty against the disutility of stigmatization when deciding how to answer. Since the disutility of stigmatization depends on the degree of noise, the interviewer designs the survey to balance two goals: (i) honest reporting by respondents and (ii) maximization of the accuracy of estimates based on the survey. We fully characterize the non-linear set of design parameters that lead to truth-telling, as well as the interviewer’s equilibrium survey design.

Suggested Citation

  • James C. D. Fisher & Timothy J. Flannery, 2023. "Designing randomized response surveys to support honest answers to stigmatizing questions," Review of Economic Design, Springer;Society for Economic Design, vol. 27(3), pages 635-667, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:reecde:v:27:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1007_s10058-022-00314-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s10058-022-00314-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Communication game; Honesty; Indirect questions; Psychological game; Randomized response; Stigmatization; Survey design;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C1 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General
    • C8 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs
    • D8 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty
    • D9 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics

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