Web Survey Bibliography

Title Personalization, authentication and self-disclosure in self-administered Internet surveys
Author Joinson, A. N., Woodley, A., Reips, U. -D.
Source Computers in Human Behaviour, 23, 1, pp. 275-285
Year 2007
Database ScienceDirect
Access date 25.08.2006
Abstract

Two studies are presented that examine disclosure of sensitive information and personalization in Internet-based surveys. In the first study, the impact of a personalized salutation on two forms of non-disclosure to a sensitive personal question (salary level) is tested. The results revealed that a personalized salutation tends to increase levels of active non-disclosure (measured through use of an ‘I prefer not to answer’ option), but not passive non-disclosure (where the respondent selects no option). In the second study, participants are directed to the study via either a personalized URL (which incorporated an encoded identifier not obvious as such to the responder) or via a secure log-on page that required the user to type in identifying information. Non-disclosure to a sensitive question (salary) was significantly higher when participants went through a log-on procedure. We suggest that this pattern of non-disclosure to sensitive questions reflects increases in identifiability when a personalized salutation or log-on procedure is used. We further suggest that the provision of an active non-disclosure option to a sensitive question is particularly appropriate in contexts in which anonymity may be compromised, since it enables participants to both protect their privacy and respond appropriately to the survey.

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Year of publication2007
Bibliographic typeJournal article
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Web Survey Bibliography - 2007 (365)

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