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The long and short of asking questions about income: a comparison using data from Hungary

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  • Wim Jansen
  • Willem-Jan Verhoeven
  • Peter Robert
  • Jos Dessens

Abstract

A lot of research on income mobility and income inequality is based on survey questions about income. Various question formats are being used. Researchers seem to assume that the actual format used delivers the best estimate of the “true” income. However, surprisingly little empirical support is available for this claim. We implemented an experimental design using the short and long versions of income questions in a Hungarian survey. Results show an overall positive difference between the long and short version. The differences are related to the income components (wages and salaries, transfers, and assets), and respondent characteristics, controlling for the effect of the order of the two versions of income questions. Based on the results, we provide some recommendations for implementing income questions in surveys. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2013

Suggested Citation

  • Wim Jansen & Willem-Jan Verhoeven & Peter Robert & Jos Dessens, 2013. "The long and short of asking questions about income: a comparison using data from Hungary," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 47(4), pages 1957-1969, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:qualqt:v:47:y:2013:i:4:p:1957-1969
    DOI: 10.1007/s11135-011-9636-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bound, John & Krueger, Alan B, 1991. "The Extent of Measurement Error in Longitudinal Earnings Data: Do Two Wrongs Make a Right?," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 9(1), pages 1-24, January.
    2. Ecob, Russell & Davey Smith, George, 1999. "Income and health: what is the nature of the relationship?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 48(5), pages 693-705, March.
    3. Bound, John & Brown, Charles & Duncan, Greg J & Rodgers, Willard L, 1994. "Evidence on the Validity of Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Labor Market Data," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 12(3), pages 345-368, July.
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    1. Wenbin Du & Muyuan Luo & Zheng Zhou, 2022. "A Study on the Relationship Between Marital Socioeconomic Status, Marital Satisfaction, and Depression: Analysis Based on Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM)," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 17(3), pages 1477-1499, June.

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