Keywords: Social desirability bias, trust networks, political polling, institutional trust, response patterns, Mexico, polling methodology, democratic institutions

Purpose.
This study examines how social desirability bias in political polling varies across different trust networks and social circles, investigating the relationship between respondents' comfort in expressing political views with different audiences (from intimate circles to survey researchers) and their trust in democratic institutions. The research aims to develop a more nuanced understanding of response patterns in political polling by comparing how people modify their political expression across different social contexts.

Context.
In an era of increasing political polarization, understanding the varying levels of authentic political expression across different social relationships becomes crucial for polling accuracy. Mexico presents a valuable case study, offering insights into how social and institutional trust networks influence response patterns in political polling, particularly relevant in the context of emerging democracies where institutional trust may vary significantly.

Methodology.
The study utilizes data from a Random Digit Dialing national telephone survey with adults (n=1,000) conducted in Mexico in November 2024. The survey employs a novel multi-layered approach to measuring response patterns:
Trust Circle Analysis
• Comfort levels in sharing political opinions across five distinct social circles:
- Intimate relationships (partner)
- Close social network (family)
- Extended social network (friends)
- Professional network (work colleagues)
- Survey context (interviewer)

Institutional Trust Measures
• Trust in democratic governance
• Confidence in electoral processes
• Specific trust in electoral polling

Self-Reflection Components
• Self-reported authenticity in political responses
• Perceived frequency of response modification by others
• Motivations for response modification (social acceptance, privacy concerns, fear of judgment, conflict avoidance)

Analysis.
The study employs a comprehensive analytical framework:
Comparative Analysis
• Trust gradient analysis across social circles
• Gap analysis between intimate and professional trust contexts
• Correlation between institutional trust and interpersonal trust patterns

Response Pattern Analysis
• Network analysis of trust relationships
• Factor analysis of response modification motivations
• Demographic variation in trust patterns

Contextual Analysis
• Age variation in trust patterns
• Socioeconomic influences on response authenticity
• Educational level impacts on political expression comfort

Expected Results.
I anticipate finding:
1. A clear trust gradient from intimate to professional relationships in political expression
2. Significant correlation between institutional trust and comfort with professional survey contexts
3. Distinct patterns of self-censorship across different social circles
4. Variation in response modification motivations across demographic groups

Implications.
The findings will contribute to:
Methodological Advances
• Development of trust-sensitive polling approaches
• Better understanding of how social context affects response patterns
• Improved strategies for reducing social desirability bias

Theoretical Understanding
• Enhanced model of how trust networks influence political expression
• Better understanding of the relationship between personal and institutional trust
• Insights into the role of social relationships in response accuracy

Practical Applications
• Improved polling methodology in contexts with varying trust levels
• Enhanced interviewer training based on trust dynamics
• Better calibration of polling results accounting for trust networks