How Inconsistent Reporting Affects Bullying Victimization Estimates: A Data‐Adjusted Replication Study in 29 Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries

INTRODUCTION: Although inconsistent reporting can alter research findings, it is seldom accounted for in most research areas. This study assessed the impact of inconsistent reporting on bullying victimization prevalence through a partial replication of a study in 29 countries. METHODS: Analyses were restricted to adolescents aged 12-15 years (n = 191,228). Inconsistent reporting was defined based on contradictions in the responses to two bullying victimization items. Unadjusted prevalence estimates (i.e., all reports included) were compared with adjusted estimates (i.e., inconsistent reports excluded) based on relative changes and Cohen's h. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: = 0.107). In about two-thirds of cases, adjusted estimates fell outside corresponding unadjusted confidence intervals. The present study confirms that inconsistent reporting can substantially bias bullying victimization prevalence estimates. It should therefore be systematically addressed whenever possible.