Face-to-face versus web surveying in a high-internet-coverage population: Differences in response quality

Abstract

The current study experimentally investigates the differences in data quality between a face-to-face and a web survey. Based on satisficing theory, it was hypothesized that web survey respondents would be more likely to satisfice for a multitude of reasons, thereby producing data of lower quality. The data show support for the hypothesis. Web survey respondents were shown to produce a higher "don't know" response rate, to differentiate less on rating scales, and to produce more item nonresponse than face-to-face survey respondents.