Paper short abstract:

Various methods have been developed to ensure anonymity and minimize the respondent's sense of danger, such as randomized response technique (RRT) and unmatched count technique (ICT). This article analyzes the heuristic possibilities of using ICT.

Paper long abstract:

Getting reliable answers to sensitive questions has been a longstanding problem in survey research in sociology. Various methods have been developed to ensure anonymity and minimize the respondent's sense of danger, such as randomized response technique (RRT) and unmatched count technique (ICT). This article analyzes the heuristic possibilities of using ICT. Proponents of this method argue that ICT guarantee anonymity and minimize the respondent's sense of danger. Thus, it helps to get reliable answers to sensitive questions. This study examines experimental methods in sociology, with particular emphasis on ICT. It also analyzes the definition of ICT, history, and research applications. The results indicate that ICT performed well compared to other methods (like RRT) on all measures assessed. The author concludes that ICT is a promising experimental method in self-directed surveys and that further research should be directed towards evaluating and improving this technique.