Survey Non-Response Procedures in Cross-National Perspective: The 2005 ISSP Non-Response Survey

Abstract

A survey of data-collection and non-response procedures used on surveys conducted as part of the International Social Survey Program (ISSP) reveals considerable variation across countries. Of several standard techniques to increase response rates only call-backs were in general use. Leaving letters, books, etc. and interviewers bonuses were utilized in only a bare majority of surveys and an introductory telephone call, the use of converters, and respondent incentives were not used in most surveys. In part, differences in procedures occurred because countries disagreed about their effectiveness. In other cases, techniques were not used simply because countries were not used to these methods.