The Takahasi-Sakasegawa Randomized Response Technique

Abstract

The survey researcher who attempts to collect injormation on sensitive topics usually encounters resistance on the part of potential respondents. Subjects frequently either refuse to answer sensitive questions or give untruthful answers. The randomized response technique has been developed to facilitate the collection of sensitive information. Takahasi and Sakasegawa (1977) developed a variant of the randomized response technique that they claim to be suitable for selfadministered telephone interviews and mail surveys. A field test of the Takahasi-Sakasegawa technique cast doubt on its usefulness with self-administered and mail surveys with certain American respondents.