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Abstract:
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In a series of studies (a lab-based experiment, 2 web-based vignette studies, and a mail survey), we manipulated the risk of disclosure associated with participation in a survey, along with other factors including the possible harm associated with disclosure, survey topic, mode of data collection, and incentive. We examine the effect of these factors on stated willingness to participate (WTP) (in the lab and web studies) and actual participation (in the mail survey). We find a consistent effect of topic sensitivity on WTP. The manipulation of disclosure risk (e.g., 1 in ten versus 1 in a million) generally had little effect on WTP or actual participation, except under extreme conditions unlikely to occur in real surveys. This paper summarizes the results of this program of research and discusses the implications for survey practice.
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