The Use of Contact Data in Understanding Cross-National Differences in Unit Nonresponse (chapter 18)

Abstract

This chapter reviews the use of auxiliary data in studies of cross-national variations in the above factors and the impacts upon survey nonresponse. It discusses expected sources of cross-national differences in survey participation processes. Then, the chapter classifies potential sources of auxiliary data, focusing on contact data. It reviews existing cross-national studies of nonresponse and summarizes findings with respect to some of the key questions. The chapter discusses the main limitations of currently available contact data, and suggests three quality criteria which would improve the usefulness of contact data for the study of cross-national nonresponse: equivalence of design of contact forms, of implementation, and of the coding of outcomes.