Self-Reported Alcohol Consumption and Sexual Behavior in Males and Females: Using the Unmatched-Count Technique to Examine Reporting Practices of Socially Sensitive Subjects in a Sample of University Students‪.‬

ABSTRACT This work, drawing on the literature on alcohol consumption, sexual behavior, and researching sensitive topics, tests the efficacy of the unmatched-count technique (UCT) in establishing higher rates of truthful self-reporting when compared to traditional survey techniques. Traditional techniques grossly underestimate the scope of problems when questions asked are socially sensitive (LaBrie & Earleywine, 2000). The study employed a large student sample from a Midwestern University, in which randomly assigned students completed either a traditional or UCT self-report survey. Using a difference of proportion test, results suggest the UCT method is more effective in eliciting affirmative responses to sensitive questions. Gender effects were identified. Both males' and females' responses challenge cultural stereo-types of perpetration and victimization. The work addresses several shortcomings in the literature, contributes to the emergent empirical research employing the UCT, and casts a critical eye on prevailing base rates. Policy implications and avenues f or future research are discussed.