Quality of Data from Matrix Questions in Face-to-face surveys: A Compared Study Using Paper and Electronic Questionnaires

• Main Author: VIDAL DÍAZ DE RADA
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas (CIS) 2015-01-01
• Series: Revista Española de Investigaciones Sociológicas (REIS)
• Subjects: Questionnaires; Response effects; Computers; Data Collection
• Online Access: http://reis.cis.es/REIS/PDF/REIS_152_10_ENGLISH1444302631254.pdf

This study compares the quality of responses to eight matrix questions (36 variables) included in a survey administered on paper and by computer in two equivalent samples. Three criteria have considerated: 1) the average of non-response questions for each mode; 2) the repetition (or not) of the same response in different question items (differentiation); and, 3) the choice of extreme and middle response alternatives on the scale (easy responses). The paper questionnaires provided a greater number of non-response questions, with no change in non-response rates when taking into account scale range: 4, 5, 10 and 11 categories. The electronic questionnaire showed slightly greater differentiation and fewer extreme responses.