Archive for the ‘ Journal Papers ’ Category

Should the Third Reminder be Sent? The Role of Survey Response Timing on Web Survey Results

Abstract:

Web surveys are being increasingly incorporated into national survey data collection programs in the United States because of their cost/time-efficiencies. Yet, response rates and data quality issues in web surveys remain important challenges. As a basic study designed to better understand data quality in a mixed mode national survey, this article investigates the degree to which web versus mail survey modes affect unit and item responses. Findings indicate that the web survey mode produces a lower unit response rate compared to the mail mode. However, the web mode elicits higher data quality in terms of item responses to both closed- and open-ended questions. Read more

Survey Mode Effects on Data Quality: Comparison of Web and Mail Modes in a U.S. National Panel Survey

Abstract:

Web surveys are being increasingly incorporated into national survey data collection programs in the United States because of their cost/time-efficiencies. Yet, response rates and data quality issues in web surveys remain important challenges. As a basic study designed to better understand data quality in a mixed mode national survey, this article investigates the degree to which web versus mail survey modes affect unit and item responses. Findings indicate that the web survey mode produces a lower unit response rate compared to the mail mode. However, the web mode elicits higher data quality in terms of item responses to both closed- and open-ended questions. Read more

Research Synthesis: AAPOR Report on Online Panels

Executive Summary:

In September 2008, the AAPOR Executive Council established an Opt-In Online Panel Task Force and charged it with “reviewing the current empirical findings related to opt-in online panels utilized for data collection and developing recommendations for AAPOR members.” The council further specified that the charge did not include development of best practices, but rather would “provide key information and recommendations about whether and when opt- in panels might be best utilized and how best to judge their quality.” The task force was formed in October 2008. This is its report. Read more

Recruiting Probability Samples for a Multi-Mode Research Panel with Internet and Mail Components

Abstract:

Survey response rates have been declining over the past several decades, particularly for random-digit-dialing (RDD) telephone surveys (see de Leeuw and de Heer 2002; Steeh 1981). This trend affects research panels such as the Gallup Panel, which uses RDD methodology to recruit its members. If significant improvements in panel recruitment response rates are to be achieved, new approaches must be considered. This paper presents the findings of a mail and telephone mode experiment conducted by the Gallup Panel to analyze the individual and combined effects of incentives, advance letters, and follow-up telephone calls on the panel recruitment response rate. Read more

‘N the Network’? Using Internet Resources for Predicting Cell Phone Number Status

Abstract:

Despite higher hit rates for cell phone samples, inefficiencies in processing calls to these numbers relative to landline numbers continue to be documented in the U.S. literature. In this study, we propose one method for using cell phone provider information and Internet resources for validating number status. Specifically, we describe how we used ‘‘in network’’ options available from three major providers’ web sites to determine the validity of cell phone numbers. Read more