Dimensions of Self-Identification Among Multiracial and Multiethnic Respondents in Survey Interviews

Abstract

This article reports findings from a laboratory study designed to investigate self-identification among 69 multiracial and multiethnic women. Respondent reactions to two current question naire formats for collecting racial information and a third version that includes a multiracial response option were examined. Findings suggest that respondents' racial identification varies considerably across question formats and that persons of mixed heritage prefer a racial identification question that provides them, at a minimum, with the opportunity to acknowledge their multiracial background. In addition, many respondents also expressed the desire to identify each of the specific groups that constitute their racial/ethnic background.