Sensitive questions and response effects: an evaluation

The literature relating to asking sensitive questions in surveys is reviewed and evaluated. It is argued that work relating to the nature of associated response effects and the development of strategies designed to cope with these embodies a number of largely unexamined assumptions. These are identified in three main areas. First, clarification is necessary in relation to the way in which sensitivity is defined and operationalised. Second, the relationship between sensitivity and context is explored with particular reference to identity. Finally, some of the implications of the link between assurances of anonymity and responses to sensitive questions are explored. In conclusion it is suggested that the benefits of methodology sophistication will be most apparent in the context of the theoretical development of these issues.