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Web Survey Bibliography

Title E-questionnaire in cross-sectional household surveys
Year 2013
Access date 27.03.2013
Abstract

In 2010, Statistics Canada launched a five-year project to introduce electronic questionnaire (e-questionnaire (EQ) or web questionnaire) as a primary collection mode for over 160 business and household surveys. While business surveys have been using EQ for the last few years, household surveys have faced a different set of implementation issues. For example, cross-sectional household surveys first collect basic household information and then administer subject-matter content to a randomly selected household member. This methodology leads to appr. 40% of cases having two respondents within a household – to complete the roster and household information, and to complete the subject-matter portion of a survey.
Relevance and Research question
What are the options for sequential multi-mode collection strategies with the use of EQ for cross-sectional household surveys? This is very important for Statistics Canada to formulate a new collection strategy to deliver expected Internet take up rates and targeted collection costs savings. The balance has to be reached between methodological requirements, technological feasibility, respondent burden, and expected costs savings.
Methods and Data
A working group was formed to identify possible multi-mode collection strategies and proposed four possible strategies. There was no clear evidence to favor a specific strategy. As a result, the group proposed to test options to assess Internet take-up rates when using CAI for initial contact / roster or when an invitation letter is mailed to a household, respondent reaction and willingness to invite other household members to continue EQ completion, operational complexity etc.
Results
The first strategy, doing a roster via CAI and using EQ for subject-matter content, was tested with the General Social Survey in 2012. 10,006 units were sampled using RDD frame, and 5,654 were reached via CATI (66%). Out of these respondents, 3,487 accepted to do EQ (62%) and 1,349 respondents submitted a completed EQ (24% of CATI respondents). Only e-mail reminders were used to stimulate response. These results surpassed the 20% EQ response target and showed potential for this option. The other options are planned to be tested in 2013-2014.
Added Value
Develop a multi-mode collection strategy that will allow Statistics Canada achieve its strategic objectives.

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Year of publication2013
Bibliographic typeConferences, workshops, tutorials, presentations
Full text availabilityAvailable on request
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Web survey bibliography - General Online Research Conference (GOR) 2013 (34)