The Autocratic Trust Bias: Politically Sensitive Survey Items and Self-Censorship

35 Pages Posted: 5 Jun 2017

See all articles by Marcus Tannenberg

Marcus Tannenberg

University of Gothenburg - Department of Political Science

Date Written: June 2017

Abstract

Because of the perceived risk of repression some survey questions are likely sensitive in more autocratic countries while less so in more democratic countries. Yet, survey data on potentially sensitive topics are frequently used in comparative research despite concerns about comparability. In a novel approach to test the comparability of politically sensitive questions I employ a multilevel-analysis with more than 80 000 respondents in 36 African countries to test for systematic bias when the survey respondents believe (fear) that the government has commissioned the survey, as opposed to an independent research institute. The findings indicate that fear of the government induces a substantial and significant bias on questions regarding the citizen-state relationship in more autocratic countries, but not in more democratic countries. This has practical implications for the comparative use of survey data.

Suggested Citation

Tannenberg, Marcus, The Autocratic Trust Bias: Politically Sensitive Survey Items and Self-Censorship (June 2017). V-Dem Working Paper 2017:49, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2980727 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2980727

Marcus Tannenberg (Contact Author)

University of Gothenburg - Department of Political Science ( email )

Box 711
Göteborg, S-405 30
Sweden

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