The EA community climate survey linked in the EA survey has some methodological problems. When academics study sexual harassment and assault, it’s generally agreed upon that one should describe specific acts (e.g. “has anyone ever made you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex against your will using force or a threat of force?”) rather than vague terms like harassment or assault. People typically disagree on what harassment and assault mean, and many people choose not to conceptualize their experiences as harassment or assault. (This is particularly true for men, since many people believe that men by definition can’t be victims of sexual harassment or assault.) Similarly, few people will admit to perpetrating harassment or assault, but more people will admit to (for example) touching someone on the breasts, buttocks, or genitals against their will.
I’d also suggest using a content warning before asking people about potentially traumatic experiences.
Right now 10% of people taking the EA Survey are also taking the anonymous survey, which is not unreasonable. After the main survey marketing is over, we may follow up and market the anonymous survey further.
Thanks. We’ve never run an anonymous feedback survey before or a survey about sexual assault, so we’re definitely open to any suggestions. We did work with Kathy some on this and we also drew some from the SlateStarCodex Survey.
The EA community climate survey linked in the EA survey has some methodological problems. When academics study sexual harassment and assault, it’s generally agreed upon that one should describe specific acts (e.g. “has anyone ever made you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex against your will using force or a threat of force?”) rather than vague terms like harassment or assault. People typically disagree on what harassment and assault mean, and many people choose not to conceptualize their experiences as harassment or assault. (This is particularly true for men, since many people believe that men by definition can’t be victims of sexual harassment or assault.) Similarly, few people will admit to perpetrating harassment or assault, but more people will admit to (for example) touching someone on the breasts, buttocks, or genitals against their will.
I’d also suggest using a content warning before asking people about potentially traumatic experiences.
I didn’t notice the community survey until I saw your comment. I had to retake the survey (answering “no my answers are not accurate”) to get to it.
I think there will be selection bias when the survey is optional and difficult to access like this.
Yeah, I’d make it more visible, and flag it more earlier—it’s a good idea which could use more responses.
Right now 10% of people taking the EA Survey are also taking the anonymous survey, which is not unreasonable. After the main survey marketing is over, we may follow up and market the anonymous survey further.
I didn’t see it either.
I also missed it the first time through
Thanks. We’ve never run an anonymous feedback survey before or a survey about sexual assault, so we’re definitely open to any suggestions. We did work with Kathy some on this and we also drew some from the SlateStarCodex Survey.