Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Demography. 2011 Aug;48(3):1127-49. doi: 10.1007/s13524-011-0044-1.
To address declining response rates and rising data-collection costs, survey methodologists have devised new techniques for using process data ("paradata") to address nonresponse by altering the survey design dynamically during data collection. We investigate the substantive consequences of responsive survey design-tools that use paradata to improve the representative qualities of surveys and control costs. By improving representation of reluctant respondents, responsive design can change our understanding of the topic being studied. Using the National Survey of Family Growth Cycle 6, we illustrate how responsive survey design can shape both demographic estimates and models of demographic behaviors based on survey data. By juxtaposing measures from regular and responsive data collection phases, we document how special efforts to interview reluctant respondents may affect demographic estimates. Results demonstrate the potential of responsive survey design to change the quality of demographic research based on survey data.
为了解决回应率下降和数据收集成本上升的问题，调查方法学家设计了新的技术，通过在数据收集过程中动态地改变调查设计来利用过程数据（“元数据”）来解决无回应问题。我们研究了响应式调查设计工具的实质性后果，这些工具利用元数据来提高调查的代表性质量并控制成本。通过改善不情愿受访者的代表性，响应式设计可以改变我们对研究主题的理解。我们使用国家家庭增长周期调查 6 号来举例说明，响应式调查设计如何根据调查数据来塑造人口统计估计和人口统计行为模型。通过对比常规和响应式数据收集阶段的测量结果，我们记录了特别努力采访不情愿的受访者可能如何影响人口统计估计。结果表明，响应式调查设计有可能改变基于调查数据的人口研究的质量。
