Does Low Self-Control Predict Fictitious Drug Use and Untruthfulness?

Abstract

This study tests Hirschi and Gottfredson's (1993) argument that self-control is related to survey response patterns. It is hypothesized that individuals who are low in self-control will be less likely to provide honest answers in survey research, a critical but untested question with respect to the general theory. Data from approximately 1,600 high school students in a Southeastern U.S. state are used to examine the relationship between low self-control and self-reported indicators of fictitious drug use and honesty when completing a survey questionnaire dealing with deviant behavior. Findings indicate that low self-control is significantly related to reports of having used a fictitious drug and having been untruthful when completing a survey questionnaire, suggesting that the reliability of survey research may depend on individual traits such as low self-control.

Acknowledgments

The views expressed in this article are the authors' and do not necessarily reflect those of the Florida Legislature.

Notes

*p < .05; **p < .01; ***p < .001 (two-tailed).

*p < .05; ***p < .001.

IRR = Incidence Rate Ratio.

RSE = Robust Stand Error.

*p < .02; ***p < .001.

OR = Odds Ratio.

RSE = Robust Stand Error.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ryan C. Meldrum

RYAN C. MELDRUM is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at Florida International University in Miami. His current research focuses on criminological theory, with particular emphasis on the relationship between family factors and involvement in delinquency. His recent publications have appeared in such journals as Criminology, the Journal of Quantitative Criminology, and Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice.

Alex R. Piquero

ALEX R. PIQUERO is Ashbel Smith Professor of Criminology at the University of Texas at Dallas, Adjunct Professor Key Centre for Ethics, Law, Justice, and Governance, Griffith University Australia, and Co-Editor, Journal of Quantitative Criminology. His research interests include criminal careers, criminological theory, and quantitative research methods. He has received several awards for his research, teaching, and service and is Fellow of both the American Society of Criminology and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.

Jim Clark

JIM CLARK is a Legislative Policy Analyst at the Florida Legislature, Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability. His research focuses primarily on juvenile delinquency, courts and sentencing, quantitative methodology, and program evaluation.