Advisor

Schaffer, Jay Ryan, 1969-

Committee Member

Lalonde, Trent L.

Committee Member

Shafie, Khalil

Department

Applied Statistics and Research Methods

Institution

University of Northern Colorado

Type of Resources

Text

Place of Publication

Greeley (Colo.)

Publisher

University of Northern Colorado

Date Created

5-1-2014

Genre

Thesis

Extent

278 pages

Digital Origin

Born digital

Description

Estimating prevalent rates of sensitive behaviors using self-report measures generally resulted in bias estimates when direct questioning approaches were used. Random Response (RR) and Non-random Response (NRR) models were developed to provide an additional layer of confidentiality that was meant to illicit more honest reporting. Despite these efforts, there was evidence that survey participants using these techniques do not always report honestly, and as a result, estimates from these techniques were biased. The current study examined the statistical efficiency, using the ratio of MSE between the RR models, the unrelated question technique (UQT) and forced choice technique (FCT) and the NRR models, the item count technique (ICT), double item count technique (DICT) and the single sample count technique (SSC). Simulations of a large range of sensitive prevalent rates and sample sizes were performed where estimates were compared in terms of increasing levels of non-compliance. In addition, for NRR models exclusively, techniques were compared similarly by list size (3-item, 4-item, and 5-item) as well as between each of the NRR models (ICT, DICT, and SSC). Results of the study indicated that the UQT optimal model was the most efficient of the techniques in the presence of equivalent non-compliance rates. However, if the DICT optimal 5-item model improved compliance, this model became more efficient depending on the sensitive prevalent rate estimated and the sample size. As a result, the study demonstrated that in certain situations, the non-random response double item count technique optimal model was as or more efficient than the random response unrelated questioning technique optimal model. Applications of the findings and the development of general guidelines were discussed.

Notes

1-year embargo ends May 2015

Degree type

PhD

Degree Name

Doctoral

Language

English

Local Identifiers

BublitzEmsermann_unco_0161D_10305

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by author.

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