Types of Questions on the Illinois Youth Survey
- Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use
- Beliefs about drug use
- Health and nutritional behaviors
- Feelings about school
- Family support and rules about alcohol use
Survey Validity
Studies of surveys similar to the IYS that check substance use
responses against actual drug tests have shown substantial validity. In
addition, the patterns of use revealed by the IYS are consistent with
other measures such as differential treatment rates for different
substances. Although the survey provides valid statewide estimates of
alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use, the data collection process
does have limitations. Since the surveys are conducted in school
settings, the sample does not include youth who are chronically absent,
in alternative school settings, or are not enrolled in a school
(including those who have dropped out of school). In addition, IYS
survey administration is dependent on an individual school's willingness
to voluntarily participate. Finally, as with all self-report surveys,
there is a possibility that respondents may not be truthful in their
answers. Data collection processes are closely monitored to address
these limitations whenever possible and to screen for inconsistencies in
the self-report data.
Perhaps one of the most important things a school can do to ensure
validity is to follow the survey administration instructions. Most
importantly, the instructions highlight ways to make students
comfortable with the fact that the survey cannot be traced back to them.
2020 Survey Revisions
To view a summary of the changes between the 2018 and 2020 surveys, click
here.
2020 Survey items
The 2020 survey questions, organized by topic, can be found below:
2020 Survey forms
To view PDF proofs of each printed survey*, click on the appropriate link below:
* Do not attempt to print and use these forms for surveying students. Registered schools will be shipped printed copies.