Description:
Measurement error and nonresponse represent real threats to the quality of survey data. Unit and item nonresponse, survey modes, question wordings and response formats are potential sources of error. In addition, survey methods are developing further to keep step with a continuously changing world. The identification and proper handling of threats to data quality requires thus continued efforts and research "on" survey methods. The volume contributes to this demand recent developments and research findings. Its 12 chapters address issues of data quality with respect to survey questions and different kinds of surveys and report developments in the field of missing data handling. Key topics include motivated misreporting, audio-recording of open-ended questions, framing effects, MTMM modeling, web, mobile web and mixed-mode research, experience sampling, estimates of change, missing data handling and multiple imputation. Contributions come from Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Brief description: Uwe Engel is professor of sociology and head of social science methods in the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Bremen. He is coeditor of Improving Survey Methods: Lessons from Recent Research.