The Contributions of Don Dillman to the Science of Survey Methodology

Music City Center 

Few scientists are truly transformative for their field of study; Don A. Dillman is one of those few. Don Dillman's research transformed survey methodology and survey statistics, and influenced how research is conducted in fields far beyond our own. With a career spanning over five decades and over 100,000 citations according to Google Scholar, Don Dillman's work blended basic science on how people and businesses view survey recruitment materials and questionnaires with applied work that yielded hands-on advice for survey practitioners at all levels. This memorial session paper will highlight Dillman's many scientific contributions to survey methodology and statistics. These contributions fall under four main categories: (1) theoretical contributions to understanding survey participation decisions; (2) surveys with single and mixed-modes and devices of data collection; (3) visual design for survey questionnaires; and (4) surveys in rural areas. The paper will end with a reflection of Dillman's influence on the current work of survey methodologists, including the presenter's own work.

Survey methodology

Data Collecction

Mode effects

Questionnaire design

Survey nonresponse

Social exchange