Conducting a Street‐Intercept Survey in an Authoritarian Regime: The Case of Myanmar*

Abstract

Objective In this research note, I share my experiences conducting a street‐intercept survey in Yangon, Myanmar. The prestudy aimed to measure postmaterialism among Burmese using Roland Inglehart's four‐item measure. The article discusses the key features and advantages of the street‐intercept survey method in difficult sociopolitical environments, the design and implementation of the study, as well as the results of the survey. Moreover, the ethics one ought to consider in authoritarian regimes are emphasized. Methods Original data were collected via a street‐intercept survey in Yangon, Myanmar. Results The prestudy confirmed the feasibility and the advantages of the street‐intercept survey method in Myanmar. At the same time, in Myanmar, difficulties in the translation of Inglehart's items raise questions regarding the applicability of this particular measure. Conclusion This note will be useful for researchers intending to collect survey data in Myanmar and other authoritarian regimes.