DIMENSIONS OF SELF-IDENTIFICATION AMONG MULTIRACIAL AND MULTIETHNIC RESPONDENTS IN SURVEY INTERVIEWS

This article reports findings from a laboratory study designed to inve stigate self-identification among 69 multiracial and multiethnic women . Respondent reactions to two current questionnaire formats for collec ting racial information and a third version that includes a multiracia l response option were examined. Findings suggest that respondents' ra cial identification varies considerably across question formats and th at persons of mixed heritage prefer a racial identification question t hat provides them, at a minimum with the opportunity to acknowledge th eir multiracial background. In addition, many respondents also express ed the desire to identify each of the specific groups that constitute their racial/ethnic background.