Covariate-Dependent Reporting Bias: Methods and Application to the LGBQ Earnings Gap

Last registered on April 29, 2026
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Pre-Trial

Trial Information

General Information

Title
Covariate-Dependent Reporting Bias: Methods and Application to the LGBQ Earnings Gap
RCT ID
AEARCTR-0018394
Initial registration date
April 24, 2026

Initial registration date is when the trial was registered.

It corresponds to when the registration was submitted to the Registry to be reviewed for publication.

First published
April 29, 2026, 3:36 PM EDT

First published corresponds to when the trial was first made public on the Registry after being reviewed.

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Primary Investigator

Name
Cameron Deal
Affiliation
Harvard University
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Other Primary Investigator(s)

Additional Trial Information

Status
In development
Start date
2026-05-01
End date
2026-05-15
Keywords
Behavior, Gender, Health, Labor
Additional Keywords
JEL code(s)
Secondary IDs
Prior work
This trial does not extend or rely on any prior RCTs.
Abstract
This paper studies covariate-dependent reporting bias of binary traits. I develop a practical method that combines a list experiment with direct measurement to estimate both overall underreporting and the characteristics and outcomes of individuals who conceal under direct questioning. I apply the method using a question fielded in the Understanding American Survey to characterize the mental health and economic outcomes of non-heterosexual individuals who report their sexual identity indirectly. Additionally, I estimate the share and characteristics of misreporters--individuals who reveal their sexual identity indirectly (but not directly).
External Link(s)

Registration Citation

Citation
Deal, Cameron. 2026. "Covariate-Dependent Reporting Bias: Methods and Application to the LGBQ Earnings Gap." AEA RCT Registry. April 29. https://doi.org/10.1257/rct.18394-1.0
Sponsors & Partners
Experimental Details

Interventions

Intervention(s)
A treatment group of approximately 4500 respondents will see a list of 5 items, including a question about sexual orientation, while a control group of roughly the same size will see a shortened list that omits the sensitive item. They will be asked how many of the items apply to them.
Intervention Start Date
2026-05-01
Intervention End Date
2026-05-15

Primary Outcomes

Primary Outcomes (end points)
This study will use the outlined method to examine the level of misreporting in LGBQ identity using direct reports of sexual orientation and the implied prevalence from the list experiment above.
Additionally, the study will use the proposed methods to characterize the following covariates for direct reporters, the full complier population, and misreporters:
1. LGBQ identity: Earnings, employment, wealth/assets, job characteristics, mental health measures, age, sex/gender, religious affiliation, political affiliation/ideology, vote choice, and race.
Primary Outcomes (explanation)

Secondary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes (end points)
Secondary Outcomes (explanation)

Experimental Design

Experimental Design
The study will randomly select roughly half of respondents to receive the veiled vs. direct report condition.
Experimental Design Details
Not available
Randomization Method
Randomization by Understanding America computer.
Randomization Unit
Individual
Was the treatment clustered?
No

Experiment Characteristics

Sample size: planned number of clusters
9000--this depends on how many individuals respond to the monthly survey for UAS.
Sample size: planned number of observations
9000
Sample size (or number of clusters) by treatment arms
4500 in long list condition, 4500 in short list condition.
Minimum detectable effect size for main outcomes (accounting for sample design and clustering)
Supporting Documents and Materials
IRB

Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)

IRB Name
BRANY
IRB Approval Date
2026-04-21
IRB Approval Number
22-030-1044
Analysis Plan