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A test of web and mail mode effects in a financially sensitive survey of older Americans

Author

Listed:
  • Helppie-McFall, Brooke

    (University of Michigan)

  • Hsu, Joanne W.

    (Federal Reserve System)

Abstract

This study leverages a randomized experimental design of a mixed-mode mail- and web-based survey to examine mode effects separately from sample selectivity issues. Using data from the Cognitive Economics Study, which contains some sensitive financial questions, we analyze two sets of questions: fixed-choice questions posed nearly identically across mode, and dollar-value questions that exploit features available only on web mode. Focusing on differences in item nonresponse and response distributions, our results indicate that, in contrast to mail mode, web mode surveys display lower item nonresponse for all questions. While respondents appear to prefer providing financial information in ranges, use of reminder screens on the web version yields greater use of exact values without large sacrifices in item response. Still, response distributions for all questions are similar across mode, suggesting that data on sensitive financial questions collected from the two modes can be pooled.

Suggested Citation

  • Helppie-McFall, Brooke & Hsu, Joanne W., 2017. "A test of web and mail mode effects in a financially sensitive survey of older Americans," Journal of Economic and Social Measurement, IOS Press, issue 2, pages 151-169.
    • Handle: RePEc:ris:iosjes:0070
    as

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Survey; mode; web mode; mail mode; item nonresponse; response distribution;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A13 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Social Values

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