A record check study is one in which the validity of survey self-reports is assessed by comparing them to evidence in organizational records. Record check studies have been employed to evaluate the quality of data from existing surveys and also to test the relative quality of data from different prospective survey designs. Such investigations are often viewed as the gold standard for judging the validity of self-report information on behavior and experiences.

Record checks are infrequently conducted because of the limited availability of record information, as well as the cost and effort of obtaining and matching record and survey data for the same individuals. Although there are many potential sources of records, in practice it can be difficult to gain access to information that gives insight ...