The Veridicality of Addicts’ Self-Reports in Social Research

Abstract

This report examines the accuracy or veridicality of information obtained through interviews with drug addicts. Comparisons were made between the self-reports on six items of the interview and official records of the Baltimore City Police Department, the Baltimore City Juvenile Court, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The findings provide no evidence of systematic distortion intended to “cover-up” the criminal side of addict life. While errors of recall probably do affect self-reports, the incomplete status of official records frequently used to validate self-reports should be of equal concern.