The number and nature of questions being asked have varied among studies. Questions that include examples of types of abuse that might have been experienced have achieved higher response rates. Comparability of study populations is another difficulty. Furthermore, among the studies of college students some include only males, others include only females, and still others include students of both sexes. In international comparisons, samples that appear similar may actually be quite different.
Some research suggests that the sex of the interviewer has an effect on response.
Incentives are at times built in to the studies to yield a higher participation rate, e.g., money, participation for class credit, or allowing time to fill in the questionnaire during class. Despite the limitations of comparability of the presented studies, the Division hopes that the bibliography will provide useful information to readers. The Division would appreciate information on other incidence and prevalence studies of child abuse and neglect. The prevalence of child sexual abuse in Britain . Studies in child protection.