Workshop on the Social Psychology of Survey Participation

National Opinion Research Center, Chicago IL

Investigators

Abstract

This proposal asks for funds to convene a multi-disciplinary workshop to address the social psychology and social cognition underlying survey participation. The goal is to expand on recent theory and research in social psychology related to persuasion, cooperation, motivation, person-perception, and interpersonal interaction, to examine the issue of survey nonresponse in detail. In order to realize this potential, the investigators would convene a workshop of 15 to 20 individuals from the fields of social psychology, sociology, anthropology, linguistics, statistics, and survey methodology. A workshop that runs for three days and takes place in a retreat setting would allow the participants to get to know one another well and encourage the development and exchange of ideas. Workshop proceedings would be recorded, and a report prepared for publication. To prepare for the workshop, a planning group will write a white paper to review the theoretical perspectives that might be of relevance and to formulate a set of questions to be addressed by the workshop. The investigator propose that this planning group, (Colm O'Muircheartaigh, Norman Bradburn, Kenneth Rasinski, Jon Krosnick, and Robert Groves) meet to formulate the agenda for next year's workshop and decide on the participants.