The reliability and validity of questionnaire delivery mode in social science research : a comparative study investigating disclosure rates of sensitive behaviours amongst university students, comparing three different questionnaire methods.
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Date
2014
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Abstract
Social Science research often investigates sensitive behaviours and the potential impact
they may have on broader societal functioning. Sensitive behaviours are those that are
concerned with private, stressful or sacred issues, and which may elicit emotional responses.
Valid and reliable methods for obtaining accurate sensitive information are essential in order
to generate accurate prevalence rates of risky behaviours.
This research was concerned with using an experimental cross-sectional between
subjects research design in order to compare three Questionnaire Delivery Modes (QDMs) in
obtaining sensitive information from a University student population. The specific sensitive
behaviours of concern were those linked to risky sexual practices and alcohol consumption.
Disclosure rates of sensitive behaviours were used to compare the QDMs. A further
subsidiary aim of this research was to explore the difference in social desirability bias and
experience of participation across the three different Questionnaire Delivery Modes.
Results of this research indicate that the Unmatched Count Technique (UCT) resulted
in higher disclosure rates for some of the sensitive behaviour items. The Audio Computer-
Assisted Self Interviewing (ACASI) and the Self Report Questionnaire (SRQ) revealed
similar disclosure rates amongst most items. Results reveal no significant difference in social
desirability bias amongst all three modes. The experience of participation indicated a mild
preference for the Unmatched Count Technique. Results also reveal high prevalence rates of
risky sexual behaviour linked to alcohol use, amongst a student population. These results
have major implications for health care providers and intervention strategies. This research
reveals that the Unmatched Count Technique may be a preferential method for obtaining
sensitive information, in a reliable and valid manner. These findings have important
implications for future research in the area of sensitive behaviours.
Description
Master of Arts in Educational Psychology. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 2014.
Keywords
Social sciences -- Research., Social sciences -- Fieldwork., Questionnaires -- Validity., Questionnaires -- Reliability., Theses -- Psychology., Questionnaire Delivery Modes (QDMs)