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An Experiment Investigating the Effects of Requesting-vs--Not-Requesting Demographics in an Anonymous Army Survey on Sensitive Topics

Authors: Joel M. Savell; Andrea J. Bright; ARMY RESEARCH INST FOR THE BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES ALEXANDRIA VA
Abstract:
The research sought evidence on the following hypothesis derived from previous research: Including standard military and social demographic items in an Army survey (a) increases respondents' concern about anonymity (proximal effect) and (b) leads respondents to respond to sensitive items in a more cautious and socially desirable manner (distal effect). Subjects were 100 enlisted soldiers E2-E4. The experimental manipulation was validated, and some proximal effects were demonstrated. The hypothesis concerning the distal effect, however, was only partly supported. Possible explanations for the results are discussed, along with suggestions for further research.

Limitations: APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
Description: Technical rept. Mar 95-Mar 96
Pages: 26
Report Date: AUG 96
Report Number: A154913
Keywords relating to this report:
*ARMY RESEARCH
*ENLISTED PERSONNEL
*PERCEPTION(PSYCHOLOGY)
*PERCEPTION_PSYCHOLOGY_
*REACTION(PSYCHOLOGY)
*REACTION_PSYCHOLOGY_
*SENSITIVITY
*SURVEYS
ARMY PERSONNEL
DEMOGRAPHY
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
HYPOTHESES
IDENTIFICATION
QUALITY
QUESTIONNAIRES
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