The presence of an interviewer is hypothesised to motivate respondents to generate an accurate answer and reduce task difficulty, but also to reduce the privacy of the reporting situation. The prevalence of indicators of satisficing (e.g., non-differentiation, acquiescence, middle categories,...

Whether questions and answers are transmitted between interviewer and respondent by visual or aural communication can affect the responses given. We hypothesise that communication channel can affect either the respondent's understanding of the question or the tendency to satisfice. These effects...

We consider the effect of a wave of mixed-mode data collection (telephone and face-to-face), in an otherwise face-to-face survey, on panel attrition and the extent to which this effect is dependent on the nature of the mode-switch protocol. Findings are reported from an experiment on a survey in...

This paper examines the following rules in the EU-SILC survey, in terms both of the wording of the regulations, and on how these regulations are interpreted and implemented. We pay particular attention to the percentages of the sample re-interviewed following household splits, and assess the...

This study empirically identifies dimensions of behaviour that are distinct in terms of the extent to which people act pro-environmentally. Three dimensions are identified, relating to at-home, transport-related and purchasing behaviour. The correlation between behaviour in each dimension is...

We compare two alternative mixed mode survey designs with face-to-face data collection in terms of differences in estimates. Both mixed mode designs involve face-to-face, telephone and web interviewing. One design uses modes sequentially; the other offers respondents an explicit choice of mode....

Subsequently published as Lynn, Peter, Sala, Emanuela (2006) 'Measuring change in employment characteristics: the effects of dependent interviewing', International Journal of Public Opinion Research, Oxford University Press. 18(4) Win., 500-509

Survey organisations often attempt to 'convert' sample members who refuse to take part in a survey. Persuasive techniques are used in an effort to get the refusers to change their mind and agree to an interview. This is done in order to improve response rate and, possibly, to reduce non-response...