Are self-reported data reliable?
• Most studies of adolescent sexual activity rely on self-report, because youth are in the best position to report on their own behavior. Self-reported data across a variety of such studies generally indicate consistent results. Even if overall rates of reported behaviors are believed to be accurate, of course, the accuracy of each individuals responses cannot be verified, and some reporting error is likely. We will minimize error by taking steps such as maximizing privacy in survey administration, wording questions neutrally, and using developmentally-appropriate language. We will also run pre-tests to assess the quality of the responses on self-report surveys. Moreover, even if there is some inaccuracy in reporting, it can be expected to occur in both the program and control groups, and thus should not threaten our ability to estimate differences between the two groups and program impacts.
