Work

Propensity to consent to data linkage: experimental evidence on the role of three survey design features in a UK longitudinal panel

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: When performing data linkage, survey respondents need to provide their informed consent. Since not all respondents agree to this request, the linked data-set will have fewer observations than the survey data-set alone and bias may be introduced. By focusing on the role that survey design features play in gaining respondents’ consent, this paper provides an innovative contribution to the studies in this field. Analysing experimental data collected in a nationally representative household panel survey of the British population, we find that interview features such as question format (dependent/independent questions) and placement of the consent question within the questionnaire have an impact on consent rates.

Source: International Journal of Social Research Methodology

DOI: 10.1080/13645579.2014.899101

Authors: Emanuela Sala, Gundi Knies, Jonathan Burton

Institutions: University of Milano-Bicocca, University of Essex, Institute for Social and Economic Research

Language: English

Topic: Survey Methodology and Nonresponse

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Awards: Understanding Society Waves 6 to 8, Understanding Society and the UK Longitudinal Studies Centre