Differences in Efficiencies Between ABS and RDD Samples by Mode of Data Collection

Area of Science:

• Survey methodology
• Social sciences research methods

Background:

• Growing body of research on survey administration modes.
• Limited studies compare sample frames alongside administration modes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine efficiency differences between address-based samples (ABS) and random digit dialing (RDD) samples.
• To compare multiple survey administration modes: web-based, mailed questionnaire, and telephone interview.
• To assess the impact of sample frame and mode on response rates and costs.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of ABS and RDD samples for adult respondents.
• Utilized web-based surveys, mailed questionnaires, and telephone interviews.
• Matched telephone numbers to addresses for both sample types.
• Evaluated cost-effectiveness of modifying ABS drop point locations.

Main Results:

• ABS achieved higher telephone number match rates but with lower accuracy than RDD samples.
• Random digit dialing (RDD) samples resulted in lower costs per completed interview compared to ABS.
• Modifications to ABS drop point locations to specify apartment numbers were not cost-effective.
• Survey mode had a greater impact on response rates and costs than survey frame.

Conclusions:

• Survey mode is a more significant factor than sample frame in influencing survey response rates and overall cost.
• Random digit dialing (RDD) samples offer a more cost-effective approach for survey administration compared to address-based samples (ABS).
• Targeted modifications to address-based sample drop points are not consistently cost-effective.