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Evaluating the Impact of Three Incentive Schemes on Survey Responses in Online Longitudinal Panels

Abstract Number:

2171 

Submission Type:

Contributed Abstract 

Contributed Abstract Type:

Paper 

Participants:

Htay-Wah Saw (1)

Institutions:

(1) University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

First Author:

Htay-Wah Saw  
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Presenting Author:

Htay-Wah Saw  
N/A

Abstract Text:

I will present the results of an online experiment that evaluated the impact of three incentive payment plans on survey responses in online panels. This study involved 500 online panelists from the University of Michigan (U-M) Masters' student population. Over the course of 6 months starting in October 2023, they were asked to complete a 10-minute wellbeing survey every two and a half months, for a total of three waves. The participants were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: the control group received a $5.00 cash incentive for each completed survey, mirroring typical longitudinal study incentives. The two treated groups either received a $5.00 cash incentive one week before each survey wave or a one-time upfront lump sum of $15.00 unconditionally, irrespective of their actual survey participation. Initial results show that response rates among the treated groups are significantly higher than the control group across all survey waves. The treatment effects are robust to the inclusion of covariates. The talk will focus on the underlying theories and mechanisms that drive the results, and discuss their implications for longitudinal data collection in online panels.

Keywords:

Longitudinal data collections|Probability-based online panels|Panel attrition|Survey nonresponse|Survey incentives|Student mental well-being

Sponsors:

Survey Research Methods Section

Tracks:

Survey Methodology/Modes

Can this be considered for alternate subtype?

No

Are you interested in volunteering to serve as a session chair?

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I have read and understand that JSM participants must abide by the Participant Guidelines.

Yes

I understand that JSM participants must register and pay the appropriate registration fee by June 1, 2024. The registration fee is non-refundable.

I understand