Data sets and syntax for: "Meitinger, K. & Kunz, T. Visual Design and Cognition in List-Style Open-Ended Questions in Web Probing. Sociological Methods & Research”

Data for the article "Visual Design and Cognition in List-Style Open-Ended Questions in Web Probing" (Meitinger & Kunz, forthcoming) published in Sociological Methods & Research <br>
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Abstract of article: <br>
Previous research reveals that the visual design of open-ended questions
should match the response task so that respondents can infer the
expected response format. Based on a web survey including specific
probesin a list-style open-ended question format, we experimentally
tested the effects of varying numbers of answer boxes on several
indicators of response quality. Our results showed that using multiple
small answer boxes instead of one large box had a positive impact on
the number and variety of themes mentioned, as well as on the
conciseness of responses to specific probes. We found no effect on the
relevance of themes and the risk of item non-response. Based on our
findings, we recommend using multiple small answer boxes instead of
one large box to convey the expected response format and improve
response quality in specific probes. This study makes a valuable
contribution to the field of web probing, extends the concept of response
quality in list-style open-ended questions, and provides a deeper
understanding of how visual design features affect cognitive response
processes in web surveys. <br>