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Letting the cat out of the bag: The impact of respondent multitasking on disclosure of socially undesirable information and answers to knowledge questions
[journal article]
Abstract Previous research shows that a high proportion of respondents engage in other activities
while answering surveys. In this study, we examine the effect of multitasking in reporting
sensitive information and socially undesirable behavior (e.g., substance use, mental health,
gambling) along with rep... view more
Previous research shows that a high proportion of respondents engage in other activities
while answering surveys. In this study, we examine the effect of multitasking in reporting
sensitive information and socially undesirable behavior (e.g., substance use, mental health,
gambling) along with reporting of knowledge/awareness of publicly funded programs. The
dataset comes from a dual-frame random digit dial telephone survey of adults in a
Midwestern state (N = 1,761) who were asked about their attitudes and behaviors toward
gambling and health-related behaviors. The results of the study reveal that nearly half of the
respondents engaged in multitasking activities (46.9%). In addition, it was found that
multitaskers disclosed more socially undesirable information and reported lower levels of
knowledge than non-multitaskers. The implications of these findings and how they fit in with
previous work are discussed.... view less
Keywords
survey; response behavior; multiple stress; data quality; telephone interview; social desirability; online survey; United States of America; health behavior; gambling; cell phone
Classification
Methods and Techniques of Data Collection and Data Analysis, Statistical Methods, Computer Methods
Free Keywords
data quality; multitasking; social desirability; telephone surveys
Document language
English
Publication Year
2020
Page/Pages
p. 1-16
Journal
Survey Methods: Insights from the Field (2020)
ISSN
2296-4754
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed