Anonymity of Response to Self-Evaluations: Are We Misinterpreting Self-Concept Research?

This study investigated the possible effect of anonymity of response on the self-esteem of 289 12- and 13-yr.-old Hong Kong Chinese students in secondary school. Responses to the Self-description Questionnaire-1 by anonymous or non-anonymous groups differed according to the ability band of the students but not their gender. The higher the ability band, the higher was the tendency to report higher self-esteem in the anonymous condition. It is argued that researchers of self-concept may need to consider the implications of anonymity. In particular, the possibility of an interaction between anonymity and ability groups may well need to be taken into account when interpreting research into the influence of ability grouping on self-esteem.