Validating and Improving the Validity of Self-Reports in Adolescent Substance Misuse Surveys

Abstract

Self-reports continue to be the most widely used method of data gathering in adolescent substance misuse surveys. This paper addresses the issue of validity and reliability of the data gathered using this method. The sources of error are discussed and the process of validating responses are illustrated using data obtained through our survey. Some suggestions are made to improve the validity of responses both in the planning and in the execution phases of surveys.