Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 106417 |
| Journal | Computers in human behavior |
| Volume | 111 |
| Early online date | 6 May 2020 |
| Publication status | Published - Oct 2020 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Abstract
The use of web surveys is a common and popular data collection method in behavioral and social research. Compared to other established survey modes, web surveys are frequently cheaper and less time consuming, because they are commonly self-administered. They also allow respondents to take part with few time and location restrictions. However, research has shown that web surveys are frequently associated with multitasking, which may negatively affect response behavior and response quality. In this study, we use paradata detecting switching away from the web survey to explore on-device media multitasking. We conducted a web survey in an opt-in access panel in Germany and randomly assigned respondents to a PC or smartphone condition. The results reveal that on-device media multitasking is more common on PCs than on smartphones. We also find evidence that engaging in on-device media multitasking affects response quality. Respondents who switch away are more likely to select the middle response category. In addition, the results show that the question presentation format, the device type, and respondents’ age and education are associated with the occurrence of on-device media multitasking. These findings point to the importance of controlling for on-device media multitasking in web surveys.
Keywords
- JavaScript, Mixed-device survey, Multitasking, OnBlur functions, Paradata, Response quality
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Arts and Humanities(all)
- Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
- Computer Science(all)
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Psychology(all)
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In: Computers in human behavior, Vol. 111, 106417, 10.2020.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Switching away
T2 - Exploring on-device media multitasking in web surveys
AU - Höhne, Jan Karem
AU - Schlosser, Stephan
AU - Couper, Mick P.
AU - Blom, Annelies G.
N1 - Funding Information: We acknowledge funding by German Science Foundation through the Collaborative Research Center 884 “Political Economy of Reforms” (grant number: 139943784 ). Publisher
PY - 2020/10
Y1 - 2020/10
N2 - The use of web surveys is a common and popular data collection method in behavioral and social research. Compared to other established survey modes, web surveys are frequently cheaper and less time consuming, because they are commonly self-administered. They also allow respondents to take part with few time and location restrictions. However, research has shown that web surveys are frequently associated with multitasking, which may negatively affect response behavior and response quality. In this study, we use paradata detecting switching away from the web survey to explore on-device media multitasking. We conducted a web survey in an opt-in access panel in Germany and randomly assigned respondents to a PC or smartphone condition. The results reveal that on-device media multitasking is more common on PCs than on smartphones. We also find evidence that engaging in on-device media multitasking affects response quality. Respondents who switch away are more likely to select the middle response category. In addition, the results show that the question presentation format, the device type, and respondents’ age and education are associated with the occurrence of on-device media multitasking. These findings point to the importance of controlling for on-device media multitasking in web surveys.
AB - The use of web surveys is a common and popular data collection method in behavioral and social research. Compared to other established survey modes, web surveys are frequently cheaper and less time consuming, because they are commonly self-administered. They also allow respondents to take part with few time and location restrictions. However, research has shown that web surveys are frequently associated with multitasking, which may negatively affect response behavior and response quality. In this study, we use paradata detecting switching away from the web survey to explore on-device media multitasking. We conducted a web survey in an opt-in access panel in Germany and randomly assigned respondents to a PC or smartphone condition. The results reveal that on-device media multitasking is more common on PCs than on smartphones. We also find evidence that engaging in on-device media multitasking affects response quality. Respondents who switch away are more likely to select the middle response category. In addition, the results show that the question presentation format, the device type, and respondents’ age and education are associated with the occurrence of on-device media multitasking. These findings point to the importance of controlling for on-device media multitasking in web surveys.
KW - JavaScript
KW - Mixed-device survey
KW - Multitasking
KW - OnBlur functions
KW - Paradata
KW - Response quality
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85086894538&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.chb.2020.106417
DO - 10.1016/j.chb.2020.106417
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85086894538
VL - 111
JO - Computers in human behavior
JF - Computers in human behavior
SN - 0747-5632
M1 - 106417
ER -