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Noncognitive Human Capital and Misreporting Behavior in Online Surveys

Author

Listed:
  • Li, Haizheng

    (Georgia Institute of Technology)

  • Liu, Qinyi

    (University of Nottingham Ningbo China)

  • Xu, Yiting

    (Central University of Finance and Economics Beijing)

Abstract

In this study, we investigate misreporting behavior in online surveys based on the field experiments in a large-scale online training program for rural teachers. We link the digitally recorded data with survey responses and integrate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the survey design. Noncognitive human capital is measured using both self-reported personality traits and proxies based on observed behaviors. Our results show that the impact of observed individual characteristics varies depending on the nature of the question and survey specifics. Unobserved heterogeneity affects both survey participation and response accuracy, resulting in sample selectivity. Noncognitive human capital inferred from observed behaviors consistently shows important influence on misreporting, while that measured by self-reported personality traits suffers from the same misreporting problem. However, behavior proxy may also capture factors external to survey respondents, and it is important to separate the effect of noncognitive human capital from the external impacts. Additionally, survey design affects misreporting. Therefore, improving the efficiency of survey such as by changing the saliency and optimizing the sequence of questions, can improve survey quality. These findings carry important implications for using survey data and for improving survey data quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Haizheng & Liu, Qinyi & Xu, Yiting, 2024. "Noncognitive Human Capital and Misreporting Behavior in Online Surveys," IZA Discussion Papers 17332, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17332
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    misreporting; noncognitive human capital; survey design; RCT intervention;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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