The research also examined issues surrounding the accuracy of self-reporting the use of a relatively soft drug such as marijuana compared to a relatively hard drug such as cocaine. The study used 12 independent variables, including participant characteristics (race, marital status, employment, age, and education), interviewer characteristics (gender and race), and situational factors (severity of the charge, drug charge, drug choice, hours since arrest, and perceived need for drug treatment). Results revealed that the accuracy of self-reported drug use varies considerably from one drug to another. The accuracy of self-reports for a drug such as marijuana may be less dependent on personal characteristics than on situational factors. In contrast, self-reports of drugs such as cocaine may be more influenced by both the person's characteristics and situational factors. Tables, notes, and 31 references (Author abstract modified)