Defection denied

How can researchers obtain reliable responses on sensitive issues in dangerous settings? This Element elucidates ways for researchers to use unobtrusive experimental methods to elicit answers to risky, taboo, and threatening questions in dangerous social environments. The methods discussed in this E...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Siroky, DS, Dzutsati, V, Bustikova, L
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press 2023
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009025539
https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:4d3785b6-874c-42c9-84c6-0feab83f6c40
Description
Summary:How can researchers obtain reliable responses on sensitive issues in dangerous settings? This Element elucidates ways for researchers to use unobtrusive experimental methods to elicit answers to risky, taboo, and threatening questions in dangerous social environments. The methods discussed in this Element help social scientists to encourage respondents to express their true preferences and to reduce bias, while protecting them, local survey organizations, and researchers. The Element is grounded in an original study of civilian support for the jihadi insurgency in the Russian North Caucasus in Dagestan that assesses theories about wartime attitudes toward militant groups. We argue that sticky identities, security threats, and economic dependence curb the ability of civilians to switch loyalties.