Randafscherming

Randafscherming, also known as "randomized response" or "randomized response technique," is a statistical method used to encourage truthful responses to sensitive or embarrassing questions in surveys or interviews. It was first proposed by Stanley Warner in 1965. The technique involves adding a layer of randomness to the responses, which makes it difficult for respondents to determine whether their answers are being recorded or not.

In a typical randafscherming scenario, respondents are asked to flip a coin or use a random number generator to decide whether to answer a sensitive question truthfully or to provide a predetermined, non-sensitive answer. For example, a respondent might be asked, "Have you ever committed a crime?" and be instructed to flip a coin. If the coin lands on heads, they answer truthfully; if it lands on tails, they answer "no." This method helps to protect the privacy of the respondents while still allowing researchers to gather accurate data.

Randafscherming is particularly useful in situations where respondents might be reluctant to provide honest answers due to fear of social stigma, legal consequences, or other reasons. It is widely used in fields such as public health, social sciences, and market research. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of randafscherming depends on the cooperation of the respondents and the proper design of the survey questions. Additionally, the method can introduce some bias into the data, as respondents might not always follow the instructions accurately. Despite these limitations, randafscherming remains a valuable tool for researchers seeking to gather sensitive information while maintaining the confidentiality of their participants.