The risk of survey bias in self-reports vs. actual consumption of clean cooking fuels

This paper discusses factors that can lead to bias in cooking energy transition analyses, and tests the level of bias when objective data is available for clean cooking consumption.

The research finds a statistically significant difference between self-reported annual LPG consumption and annual consumption determined by purchase records cylinders. Only 15% of consumers accurately reported their consumption. Reporting errors are remarkably one-sided, which suggests systemic bias. About 78% of respondents over-reported their consumption, while only 6% under-reported.

These findings raise serious concerns about the reliability of research that relies on data from self-reported surveys through face-to-face interviews, which is the norm in developing countries.