The Role of Survey Response Timing on Web Survey Results: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Analyses
Abstract:
Decreasing survey response rates are a growing concern in survey research, principally because survey estimates may be biased by selective nonresponse (Kypri, Stephenson, & Langley, 2004). One of the methods of assessing nonresponse bias is to compare those who respond late to a survey with those who respond early, in terms of the topic of interest. In this paper, we draw upon data obtained from multiple panel surveys conducted by the Gallup Panel in order to examine whether early, intermediate, and late respondents differ significantly – either in terms of demographics or in terms of the answers that they provide to survey questions. Furthermore, we construct a longitudinal measure of response timing in order to identify the drivers of responding early to mul-tiple surveys conducted over a period of time. Results indicate some directional differences in demographics and better data quality from early respondents, compared to their intermediate and late counterparts. We discuss the findings from the study and conclude with recommendations for future research.
Recommended Citation:
Rao, K., & Gravelle, T. B. (2008). The Role of Survey Response Timing on Web Survey Results: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Analyses. Paper presented at the Midwest Association of Public Opinion Research, Chicago.
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