Amy Hinsley|Aidan Keane|Freya A. V. St. John|Harriet Ibbett|Ana Nuño
Asking sensitive questions using the unmatched count technique: Applications and guidelines for conservation
University of Oxford|University of Edinburgh|Bangor University|University of Oxford|University of Exeter
abstract researchers practitioners increasingly using methods social sciences address complex conservation challenges brings benefits also responsibility understand suitability limitations methods different contexts years use disciplines unmatched count technique uct recently adopted conservation scientists investigate illegal socially undesirable human behaviours provide guidance practitioners researchers apply uct effectively outline situations least appropriate reviewed 101 publications refereed journals used uct draw conclusions use date provide recommendations use method effectively conservation particular explored type studies undertaken eg disciplines behaviour studied rationale using uct survey administration eg sample size pilot studies administration mode uct outcomes eg type analyses estimates comparison methods type recommendations show uct used across multiple disciplines contexts 10 studies focus conservation natural resource use uct used investigate topics falling five categories socially undesirable behaviours socially undesirable views illegal noncompliant behaviours socially desirable behaviours personal topics eg hiv positive used 51 countries suitable several situations limitations exist method always improve reporting sensitive topics provide bestpractice guidance researchers practitioners considering using uct highlight alternate methods considered sample sizes likely small behaviour question likely extremely rare behaviour particularly sensitive uct useful tool estimating extent noncompliance within conservation context scientific investigation careful study design robust sampling consistent implementation required order effective