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

• Activity Number: 71 - COVID-19 and Survey Research Methods
• Type: Contributed
• Date/Time: Sunday, August 7, 2022 : 4:00 PM to 5:50 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 The Public Health Company
• Keywords: Neuroscience; Randomized Response; Sensitive Data; Survey Sampling; Privacy Methods; Confidentiality Methods

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 2022 theme of “Statistics: A Foundation of Innovation,” one can consider innovation with combining statistical techniques with 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, social distancing, and vaccines.