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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2015 Jan:49:1-15.
doi: 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2014.07.002. Epub 2014 Jul 22.

Response of sensitive behaviors to frequent measurement

William G Axinn  1 , Elyse A Jennings  2 , Mick P Couper  3
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Response of sensitive behaviors to frequent measurement

William G Axinn et al. Soc Sci Res. 2015 Jan.

Abstract

We study the influence of frequent survey measurement on behavior. Widespread access to the Internet has made important breakthroughs in frequent measurement possible-potentially revolutionizing social science measurement of processes that change quickly over time. One key concern about using such frequent measurement is that it may influence the behavior being studied. We investigate this possibility using both a population-based experiment with random assignment to participation in a weekly journal for twelve months (versus no journal) and a large-scale, population-based, journal-keeping study with weekly measurement for 30 months. Results reveal few of the measured behaviors are correlated with assignment to frequent measurement. Theoretical reasoning regarding the likely behavioral response to frequent measurement correctly predicts domains most vulnerable to this possibility. Overall, however, we found little evidence of behavioral response to frequent measurement.

Keywords: Journal-keeping; Measurement effects; Survey methodology.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Predicted Values of Interaction between Journals Completed and Condom Use, with Pill Use as Outcome, Holding Time (converted to months) at Mean, 365 days a
a Figure based on a model in which no other controls were included, aside from journals completed, condom use, and time (converted to months).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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