Survey Methodology
Daily rhythm of data quality: Evidence from the Survey of Unemployed Workers in New Jersey

by Jorge González ChapelaNote 1

  • Release date: December 20, 2024

Abstract

This paper investigates whether survey data quality fluctuates over the day. After laying out the argument theoretically, panel data from the Survey of Unemployed Workers in New Jersey are analyzed. Several indirect indicators of response error are investigated, including item nonresponse, interview completion time, rounding, and measures of the quality of time diary data. The evidence that we assemble for a time of day of interview effect is weak or nonexistent. Item nonresponse and the probability that interview completion time is among the 5% shortest appear to increase in the evening, but a more thorough assessment requires instrumental variables.

Key Words:    Panel data; Survey data quality; Survey of Unemployed Workers in New Jersey; Time of day.

Table of contents

How to cite

González Chapela, J. (2024). Daily rhythm of data quality: Evidence from the Survey of Unemployed Workers in New Jersey. Survey Methodology, 50(2), 513-541. Paper available at http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/12-001-x/2024002/article/00002-eng.pdf.

Note

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