Predictors of Multitasking and its Impact on Data Quality: Lessons from a Statewide Dual-frame Telephone Survey

Abstract

Previous research shows that people often multitask while talking on the phone. This raises concerns about the quality of data yielded by telephone surveys as multitasking might distract respondents, inducing satisficing behaviors. Although respondents’ multitasking behavior has aroused great interest in the literature, most studies are based on online surveys. In this study, we expand on prior research by analyzing data from a random dual-frame telephone survey of adults in a Midwestern state regarding their perceptions and experiences with healthcare (N = 2,132; of which 245 are from landlines and 1,887 from cellphones). We found that multitasking was frequent (53.3%), especially among older respondents, parents with children in the household, less educated individuals, and those interviewed at night. Despite having over half of respondents report multitasking, we found no evidence that self-reported multitasking reduced the quality of the responses. The implications of the results for survey practices are discussed