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Understanding and Controlling Response Bias in Needs Assessment Studies

Author

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  • Robert J. Calsyn

    (University of Missouri–St. Louis)

  • Joel P. Winter

    (University of Missouri–St. Louis)

Abstract

This study demonstrated that estimates of agency awareness in the typical needs assessment study are probably inflated by a response bias labeled “agency awareness overclaiming.†Overclaimers (respondents who reported being aware of fictitious agencies) reported being aware of more real agencies than other respondents. Estimates of agency awareness may also be biased, because certain segments of the population were more likely to exhibit agency awareness overclaiming. Age was positively correlated with overclaiming, and African Americans were more likely to exhibit agency awareness overclaiming than Caucasians. General overclaiming was correlated with agency awareness overclaiming, but social desirability and acquiescence were not.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert J. Calsyn & Joel P. Winter, 1999. "Understanding and Controlling Response Bias in Needs Assessment Studies," Evaluation Review, , vol. 23(4), pages 399-417, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:evarev:v:23:y:1999:i:4:p:399-417
    DOI: 10.1177/0193841X9902300403
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Goldsmith, Ronald E., 1988. "Spurious response error in a new product survey," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 17(3), pages 271-281, November.
    3. Calsyn, Robert J., 1995. "Predicting agency awareness acquiescence in physicians," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 18(4), pages 343-347.
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