How do respondents appreciate a survey when they use different devices (computer, tablet or smartphone) and does their attitude towards the survey influences their appreciation?

Abstract

Web surveys are commonly used, nowadays often as mixed-device surveys. Respondents can use a PC or laptop, but also mobile devices, such as a tablet or smartphone, to complete a web survey. Mobile device users are often younger, higher educated and more likely to be female compared to PC or laptop users. Questions arise if web surveys should be optimized for mobile devices. Not much is known about the opinion of the respondents themselves. This study investigated if there is a difference in the survey appreciation of respondents when they use different devices and if their general attitude influences this. Appreciation was measured with the evaluation questions at the end of the survey. Attitude was measured at the beginning of the survey. Data from 2527 online respondents from the German GESIS panel was used. Descriptive analyses, factor analyses and multiple regression analyses were conducted. Results indicate that respondents do not appreciate a survey less when they use different devices. Attitude however, does contribute to survey appreciation.