Influence of Satisficing on Online Survey Responses

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of satisficing on response behav ior in online surveys. We compared online response data to psychologic al scales and logical thinking tasks conducted by an online survey com pany and a crowd sourcing service. In previous studies, satisficing wa s found to be more likely to occur among online survey monitors than a mong crowd sourcing service contributors. Results of the present study replicated it and showed that satisficing in terms of inattentively r eading items significantly damages the integrity of psychological scal es. On the other hand, it was also found that the influence of satisfi cing in terms of inattentively reading instructions carefully can be r educed by raising respondents’ awareness. Those conducting online surv eys should discuss taking active measures to minimize satisficing.