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Session Details

As the use of cell phones and smartphones has grown in popularity globally, the use of text messaging (also known as short message service or SMS) in public opinion research has been increasing exponentially within the last couple decades. Due to decreasing response rates, shifts in technology, and technological enhancements around the way people use text messaging, researchers have started exploring new ways to incorporate texting during the survey life cycle. However, these new trends present challenges and researchers are only just beginning to understand the impact of text messaging on total survey error. Accordingly, in this session we welcome contributions on a range of topics related to the use and impact of texting during survey recruitment and data collection from a total survey error perspective. Specifically, we welcome papers including the following topics:

• Issues related to coverage and sample representativeness, including issues related to sampling frames and sample sources for text-based surveys or mixed mode surveys.

• The impact of text recruitment on response (e.g., response rates, nonresponse error and bias) and design decisions related to response including but not limited to
o Tailoring text communications and the content of messages

• Data collection and questionnaire design, including but not limited to
o Measurement
♣ Break-offs and item nonresponse
♣ Measurement limitations
o The use of short message service (SMS) versus multimedia messages (MMS)
o Comparison with other self-administered modes (such as web, mail, IVR)

• Trade-offs and interactions between survey error sources

• Analyses from a survey operations perspective (e.g. day/time of the day, two-way versus one way interactions, etc.)

• Privacy and safety regulations (such as TCPA and GDPR)

• Cross-national and cross-cultural differences
o Implications for the future (the increase in the use of smartphones)
o Implications for developing countries

We are interested in examples from a range of different types of studies including but not limited to mixed mode surveys, online panels, and longitudinal studies that include SMS components. We welcome papers from researchers with a variety of backgrounds across different nations and sectors including academia, government agencies, and industry. The format of the session will be designed to foster discussion between the presenters and audience around issues related to potential uses of SMS methodology within the survey life cycle from a total survey error perspective.