Affiliations: Data Collection Methodology, Office for National Statistics, London, UK
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Peter Betts, Data Collection Methodology, Office for National Statistics,
Second Floor, 1 Drummond Gate, London, SW1V 2QQ, UK. Tel.: +44 0207 592 8652; E-mail:peter.betts@ons.gsi.gov.uk
Abstract: The United Kingdom Office for National Statistics (ONS) is developing
methods, processes and systems for online surveys. This paper describes our
ongoing work to adapt Labour Force Survey (LFS) questions from face-to-face
and telephone modes into web mode within a mixed mode design. Each step of
the development process is detailed, comprising:
Consideration of question design principles;
Prioritisation of the LFS questions (approximately 600);
Consideration of how to keep the questionnaire to a length acceptable to
respondents;
An expert review of the priority questions across several aspects to
identify issues (for example, potential mode effects) and propose designs
for the web versions;
Collaborative workshops to discuss design issues and agree programming
specifications;
Cognitive/usability testing with members of the public to assess the
effectiveness of the design and;
Subsequent review of test findings and respecification of designs, in
preparation for quantitative testing. We reflect on the positive and negative aspects of the process. We
illustrate some design issues, how they were addressed and their latest
program specifications. We consider the lessons from our work and
developments externally, and conclude with discussion of future development
plans and reconsideration of approach.
Keywords: Labour Force Survey (LFS), web survey, mixed mode survey, question design, mode effects, expert review, cognitive testing
