Analysing Misleading Discrete Responses: A Logit Model Based on Misclassified Data

This study presents an alternative to direct questioning and randomized response approaches to obtain survey information about sensitive issues. The approach used here is based on a logit model that can be used when survey data on the dependent variable are misclassified. The method is applied to a direct survey of undergraduate cheating behaviour. Student responses may not always be truthful. In particular, a student claiming to be a non-cheater may actually be a cheater. The results indicate that the incidence of cheating in our sample is approximately 70% rather than the self-reported value of 51%. Copyright 2005 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.