Survey Data Quality and Respondent Behaviours: Can New Techniques Resolve Long-Standing Issues?

Transportation research procedia, vol. 97, pp. 110–117

Abstract

This paper summarizes the outcomes of a workshop on data quality and respondent behavior in household travel surveys. The participants examined challenges in collecting travel data amid technological advances and changing behaviors. Discussions addressed non-response and soft refusals, measurement errors, underrepresentation, and integrating new data sources. Persistent issues include sampling biases affecting certain demographics and limited access to specific housing types, with technology-driven outreach suggested as a remedy. While app-based surveys have their advantages, they complicate weighting and data alignment. Technological innovations have enhanced precision and reduced respondent burden but introduced new biases. Case studies illustrated both benefits and drawbacks of methods like multi-frame sampling, paradata use for quality assessment, and experimental designs to minimize errors. the participants highlighted the need for context-sensitive survey design, transparency in bias reporting, and alignment with policy goals. They called for adaptable frameworks that reflect evolving behaviors and social dynamics.

Authors 3

1. Niklas Höing Aachen chair Institute of Urban and Transport Planning

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair and Institute of Urban and Transport Planning, RWTH Aachen University, Mies-van-der-Rohe-Str. 1, 52070 Aachen, Germany

2. Jimmy Armoogum
   Affiliation as printed

   UPE-IFSTTAR-AME-MODIS, 14-20 Boulevard Newton - Cité Descartes - Champs sur Marne, F-77477 Marne la Vallée, France

3. Stacey G. Bricka
   Affiliation as printed

   MacroSys, 522 21st Street NW, Suite 120A, Washington, DC 20006, USA