Within Household Gatekeepers: Overcoming Obstacles to Survey Participation

• Activity Number: 120
• Type: Topic Contributed
• Date/Time: Monday, August 1, 2016 : 8:30 AM to 10:20 AM
• Sponsor: Survey Research Methods Section
• Author(s): Micah Sjoblom* and Karen Veldman and Anna Joyce and Katherine Burda and Catherine C. Haggerty and Ella Kemp
• Companies: NORC at the University of Chicago and NORC at the University of Chicago and NORC at the University of Chicago and NORC at the University of Chicago and NORC at the University of Chicago and NORC at the University of Chicago
• Keywords: Household Surveys ; Hard-to-Reach Populations ; Non-Response

Abstract

The Survey of Consumer Finance (SCF) is a dual frame national survey conducted triennially for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and provides unique and important insights into the assets, liabilities and net worth of American households. NORC at the University of Chicago collects survey observations for the 2016 SCF using face-to-face interviewing techniques designed to address more widespread challenges to participation. This paper outlines the contacting strategy and the utilization of paradata elements collected from previous national level data collection efforts to inform interviewer outreach when household level gatekeeper scenarios are encountered and prevent access to potential respondents. We will also discuss the application of operational strategies to address known systematic barriers to reaching respondents, including gatekeeper identification and engagement, as well as efforts to connect with respondents and to help ensure that an informed decision related to participation can be made.