This research proposal aims to address critical issues of survey nonresponse and attrition in probability-based online panels and online longitudinal data collections. Through experimental designs, the study aims to analyze the causal effects of survey burden and different incentive payment plans. The proposed research will be conducted in three separate but related aims. Aim 1 will conduct a survey burden experiment within the Understanding American Study (UAS), a probability-based online panel representative of US adults aged 18 and above, using a sample of 1,000 new respondents to analyze the impact of survey burden on survey nonresponse and attrition in probability-based online panels during the first year of panel membership. Internet access is not required for participation. UAS provides tablets and free broadband internet access to new respondents without Internet access. Aim 2 will implement an incentive experiment involving a random sample of 1,100 University of Michigan graduate students to evaluate the effectiveness of three incentive payment plans on survey nonresponse and attrition in online longitudinal data collections. Aim 3 will explore attrition bias utilizing both administrative records and survey measures available for all respondents. It will also investigate how the various incentive plans impact final sample composition. By accomplishing these three aims, the study aims to provide empirical evidence to enhance the effectiveness of online panels in social science research and policy-making.
Funding:
National Science Foundation
Funding Period:
05/01/2024 to 04/30/2025