WHOS COUNTING - QUASI-FACTS AND STEPFAMILIES IN REPORTS OF NUMBER OF SIBLINGS

Using panel data on approximately 9,400 individuals aged 19-95 intervi ewed in the 1987-1988 and 1992-1994 waves of the National Survey of Fa milies and Households, I examine discrepancies in reported sibling num ber. Fifteen percent of the sample reported fewer siblings in the seco nd wave than in the first wave. Unexpectedly, 16% also reported more s iblings. I consider four explanations for these discrepancies: changes in wording of the question, complex family structure, changes in fami ly structure between waves, and low sibling salience. Analysis demonst rates that discrepancies are greatest among, but not limited to, those with complex family histories. Sibling counts appear to have a high s ubjective component that is sensitive to question wording and family s tructure but is not strongly related to predictors of sibling closenes s. The analysis concludes with suggestions for measuring stepfamily re lationships and dealing with discrepant reports in family relationship s generally.