Book(print)2013

Nonresponse in social science surveys: a research agenda

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Abstract

For many household surveys in the United States, responses rates have been steadily declining for at least the past two decades. A similar decline in survey response can be observed in all wealthy countries. Efforts to raise response rates have used such strategies as monetary incentives or repeated attempts to contact sample members and obtain completed interviews, but these strategies increase the costs of surveys. This review addresses the core issues regarding survey nonresponse. It considers why response rates are declining and what that means for the accuracy of survey results. These trends are of particular concern for the social science community, which is heavily invested in obtaining information from household surveys. The evidence to date makes it apparent that current trends in nonresponse, if not arrested, threaten to undermine the potential of household surveys to elicit information that assists in understanding social and economic issues.

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Book(electronic)#11900

Nonresponse in Social Science Surveys: Research Agenda

Council, National Research; Education on Behavioral and Social Sciences and, Division; Statistics on National, Committee

Intro -- FrontMatter -- Contents -- Preface -- Summary -- 1 The Growing Problem of Nonresponse -- 2 Nonresponse Bias -- 3 Mitigating the Consequences of Nonresponse -- 4 Approaches to Improving Survey Response -- 5 Research Agenda -- References and Selected Bibliography -- Acronyms and Abbreviations -- Appendix A: Nonresponse Research in Federal Statistical Agencies -- Appendix B: Research Agenda Topics Suggested by the Literature -- Appendix C: Biographical Sketches of Panel Members -- Committee on National Statistics.