Randomized response techniques

Abstract

Collection of data on sensitive characteristics from human populations is not an easy task. For example sensitive questions: (a) Are you an Alawite? (b) Are you gay? (c) Have you ever molested a child? (d) Have you underreported your income on your tax return? (e) Do you smoke marijuana?, and (f) Have you ever cheated on an exam?, etc. These questions are not likely to be responded honestly by the respondents if they are asked using direct question survey methods. The randomized response technique was first introduced by Warner (1965) to deal with a problem of estimation of such sensitive characteristics in a finite population. This technique enables respondents to provide truthful information in anonymity on sensitive or highly personal questions without endangering their privacy. To promote the pioneer idea of Warner (1965), we have devoted the present issue of the Journal Model Assisted Statistics and Applications on a special topic, “Randomized Response Techniques.” A number of prominent authors who work in the area of randomized response sampling have contributed towards to the special issue, and their details and contributions are explained in brief as follows: