Abstract:

This quantitative study of 802 survey responders and non-responders from around the world examines the general public’s acceptance of survey research. Key findings include: the importance of incentivization is increasing; poorly constructed surveys are convincing respondents that their time is being wasted; and telephone surveys are more frequently considered an invasion of privacy than mail or online surveys. On the other hand, people will make time for surveys that respect their time and privacy concerns; the activity of survey participation is not considered to be boring per se; and respondents feel that participating in surveys allows them to voice their opinions.