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https://doi.org/10.18148/srm/2018.v12i1.7168
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Misreporting to Looping Questions in Surveys: Recall, Motivation and Burden
[journal article]
Abstract Looping questions are used to collect data about several similar events, such as employment spells, retirement accounts, or marriages. The loops gather information about the number of events experienced as well as details about each one. The questions require respondents to think hard to recall each... view more
Looping questions are used to collect data about several similar events, such as employment spells, retirement accounts, or marriages. The loops gather information about the number of events experienced as well as details about each one. The questions require respondents to think hard to recall each event and are often lengthy and repetitive. Looping questions can be asked in two formats, and which format a survey uses may aect the quality of the data collected. We develop hypotheses about the eects of format on measurement error in looping questions and test the hypotheses using experimental data from a web survey with a link to administrative records. Results show that one format collects more accurate event reports, but the other format provides higher quality data to the follow up questions. We conclude with guidance for those who write survey questions as well as those who rely on survey data for substantive analyses.... view less
Keywords
survey research; data collection method; data capture; data quality; measurement; error; online survey; questionnaire
Classification
Methods and Techniques of Data Collection and Data Analysis, Statistical Methods, Computer Methods
Free Keywords
survey methodology; burden; measurement error; incentives
Document language
English
Publication Year
2018
Page/Pages
p. 59-74
Journal
Survey Research Methods, 12 (2018) 1
ISSN
1864-3361
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed
Licence
Deposit Licence - No Redistribution, No Modifications