A Public Health Application of a Randomized Response Model Based on Applied Neuroscience

• Activity Number: 54 - Record Linkage, Data Integration, and Improving Survey Measurement
• Type: Contributed
• Date/Time: Sunday, August 8, 2021 : 3:30 PM to 5:20 PM
• Sponsor: Survey Research Methods Section
• Author(s): Augustus Jayaraj* and Sarjinder Singh and Oluseun Odumade
• Companies: Cornell University and Texas A&M University -Kingsville and Deloitte & Touche
• Keywords: neuroscience; randomized response; survey sampling; sensitive data

Abstract

Each year, different researchers update randomized response models to improve model efficiency. In moving towards a practical application of this model, and in consideration of this year’s JSM 2021 theme of “Statistics, Data, and the Stories They Tell,” one must consider current scientific advances in neuroscience. This includes research regarding stress pathways and amygdala activation, which affect the response given by the participant in survey research with sensitive data. Defining terms such as emotional physiology and internal subconscious anxiety allows a researcher to restructure the randomized response model for practicality over efficiency. We will examine the 2-deck of cards model, proposed by Odumade and Singh (2009), and show the adjustments needed for practicality of a real world application highlighting COVID-19 safety protocols surrounding mask use and social distancing.