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https://doi.org/10.18148/srm/2020.v14i2.7751
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Investigating selection bias of online surveys on coronavirus-related behavioral outcomes
[journal article]
Abstract The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has stimulated numerous online surveys that are mainly based on online convenience samples or commercial online access panels where participants select themselves. The results are, nevertheless, often generalized to the general population. In our paper we investig... view more
The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has stimulated numerous online surveys that are mainly based on online convenience samples or commercial online access panels where participants select themselves. The results are, nevertheless, often generalized to the general population. In our paper we investigate the potential bias that is introduced by respondents' self-selection. The analysis is based on survey data of the "GESIS Panel Special Survey on the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak in Germany", together with background information of the GESIS Panel. Our analyses show indication of a nonignorable amount of selection bias for measures of personality traits among online survey respondents. This provides some evidence that participating in an online survey and complying with measures that can minimize the risk of being infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus are confounded. Hence, generalizing these results to the general population bears the risk of over or underestimating the share of the population that complies with specific measures.... view less
Keywords
survey; online survey; sample; selection procedure; epidemic; panel; personality traits; measure; behavior; health behavior; risk behavior; contagious disease; data; selection; trend
Classification
Methods and Techniques of Data Collection and Data Analysis, Statistical Methods, Computer Methods
Free Keywords
online survey; nonprobability sample; self-selection bias; coronavirus SARS-CoV-2; GESIS Panel special survey on the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Germany (ZA5667); GESIS Panel standard edition (ZA5665)
Document language
English
Publication Year
2020
Page/Pages
p. 103-108
Journal
Survey Research Methods, 14 (2020) 2
Issue topic
Survey Research Methods During the COVID-19 Crisis
ISSN
1864-3361
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed