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Asking sensitive questions in conservation using the Unmatched Count Technique
The Unmatched Count Technique (UCT), or list experiment, is an indirect questioning technique which allows answers to remain confidential and respondents to be protected. Because questions are asked in an indirect way, it is used to inquire about illegal activities or behaviours people might not want to openly admit to. The method provides an estimate of how many people within a population are performing the behaviour in question. Although using UCT will not uncover why people are performing a given behaviour, its analysis can produce results to indicate which characteristics (e.g. location, gender, age, income) of the population surveyed are more likely to affect whether a person is engaging in the behaviour. This document explores what should be considered before deciding if UCT is the most appropriate research method for your study and provides guidance on the steps that should be followed when implementing it.
Olmedo CastroA., Davis E., Hinsley A.2019. Asking sensitive questions in conservation using the Unmatched Count Technique. Tools and Guidance, Oxford Martin Programme on the Illegal Wildlife Trade, University of Oxford.DOI:10.31235/osf.io/rcdbk
Published: Aug 2019 | Categories: Method Toolkits