Application of the Randomized Response Technique in Obtaining Quantitative Data

Abstract The randomized response technique of reducing respondent bias in obtaining answers to sensitive questions is extended from the situation where response is categorical to that in which the response is quantitative. Results are reported on the application of the method to estimating mean number of abortions in an urban population of women, and mean income of heads of households. The efficiency of estimators based on the method of moments in the randomized response procedure is studied and representative results are reported and discussed.