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Response Quality in Nonprobability and Probability-based Online Panels

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  • Carina Cornesse
  • Annelies G. Blom

Abstract

Recent years have seen a growing number of studies investigating the accuracy of nonprobability online panels; however, response quality in nonprobability online panels has not yet received much attention. To fill this gap, we investigate response quality in a comprehensive study of seven nonprobability online panels and three probability-based online panels with identical fieldwork periods and questionnaires in Germany. Three response quality indicators typically associated with survey satisficing are assessed: straight-lining in grid questions, item nonresponse, and midpoint selection in visual design experiments. Our results show that there is significantly more straight-lining in the nonprobability online panels than in the probability-based online panels. However, contrary to our expectations, there is no generalizable difference between nonprobability online panels and probability-based online panels with respect to item nonresponse. Finally, neither respondents in nonprobability online panels nor respondents in probability-based online panels are significantly affected by the visual design of the midpoint of the answer scale.

Suggested Citation

  • Carina Cornesse & Annelies G. Blom, 2023. "Response Quality in Nonprobability and Probability-based Online Panels," Sociological Methods & Research, , vol. 52(2), pages 879-908, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:somere:v:52:y:2023:i:2:p:879-908
    DOI: 10.1177/0049124120914940
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Converse, Philip E., 1974. "Comment: The Status of Nonattitudes," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 68(2), pages 650-660, June.
    2. Vera Toepoel & Corrie Vis & Marcel Das & Arthur van Soest, 2009. "Design of Web Questionnaires," Sociological Methods & Research, , vol. 37(3), pages 371-392, February.
    3. Malhotra, Neil & Krosnick, Jon A., 2007. "The Effect of Survey Mode and Sampling on Inferences about Political Attitudes and Behavior: Comparing the 2000 and 2004 ANES to Internet Surveys with Nonprobability Samples," Political Analysis, Cambridge University Press, vol. 15(3), pages 286-323, July.
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    1. Hinz, Thomas & Marczuk, Anna & Multrus, Frank, 2024. "Student opinions on the escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza and antisemitism at German universities," Working Papers 17, University of Konstanz, Cluster of Excellence "The Politics of Inequality. Perceptions, Participation and Policies".
    2. Hinz, Thomas & Marczuk, Anna & Multrus, Frank, 2024. "Studentisches Meinungsklima zur Gewalteskalation in Israel und Gaza und Antisemitismus an deutschen Hochschulen," Working Papers 16, University of Konstanz, Cluster of Excellence "The Politics of Inequality. Perceptions, Participation and Policies".

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