Understanding Society Working Paper Series 2018-03

The Longitudinal Item Count Technique: a new technique for asking sensitive questions in surveys

Authors

Publication date

09 Apr 2018

Abstract

The Item Count Technique is used to improve measurement of sensitive topics, reducing social desirability bias. I propose a variation of the Item Count Technique: the Longitudinal Item Count Technique (LICT). I describe the features of this innovative technique and the underlying assumptions, I provide guidance on its implementation, discuss its limitations, and the ethical implications associated with it. Furthermore, I present an empirical application of the method estimating the prevalence of the gay, lesbian, and bisexual population in the United Kingdom.  

Subjects

Social Groups and Survey Methodology

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