In:
Bulletin of Sociological Methodology/Bulletin de Méthodologie Sociologique, SAGE Publications, Vol. 159, No. 1 ( 2023-07), p. 49-74
Abstract:
Self-administered mixed-mode surveys are increasingly used as an alternative to face-to-face surveys for collecting data from the general population. However, little is known about how decisions regarding the incentive scheme and the mode-choice design jointly affect key outcomes such as response rates, net sample composition, and survey costs. To study this, we drew a probability sample of the residential population of the city of Mannheim, Germany ( N = 2,980) and randomly assigned target persons to one of four incentive schemes (€0, €1, or €2 prepaid incentive on first contact, and €2 delayed prepaid incentive) and one of two mode-choice designs (concurrent or sequential [web-push]). Our results indicate that small prepaid monetary incentives work better in concurrent than in sequential designs. Moreover, a €2 prepaid incentive in a concurrent design proved particularly successful for older target persons, probably reinforcing their sense of trust and reciprocity, while also fitting better with their survey-mode preferences. Finally, a €2 delayed prepaid incentive in a sequential design primarily motivated target persons aged under 50 years. This combination of incentive scheme and mode-choice design also proved to be most cost-effective in that age group. Based on our results, we recommend using sampling frame information on age to address different age groups with different combinations of incentive scheme and mode-choice design. This may help to maximize response rates, achieve a balanced net sample composition, and minimize survey costs.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0759-1063
,
2070-2779
DOI:
10.1177/07591063231184243
Language:
French
Publisher:
SAGE Publications
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2508137-8
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2266043-4
SSG:
3,4
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