International Review of Environmental and Resource Economics > Vol 5 > Issue 4

Using Internet in Stated Preference Surveys: A Review and Comparison of Survey Modes

Henrik Lindhjem, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Norway, henrik.lindhjem@nina.no , Ståle Navrud, Department of Economics and Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway
 
Suggested Citation
Henrik Lindhjem and Ståle Navrud (2011), "Using Internet in Stated Preference Surveys: A Review and Comparison of Survey Modes", International Review of Environmental and Resource Economics: Vol. 5: No. 4, pp 309-351. http://dx.doi.org/10.1561/101.00000045

Publication Date: 25 Sep 2011
© 2011 H. Lindhjem and S. Navrud
 
Subjects
Environmental Economics
 
Keywords
C83D62H41Q51
InternetSurvey modeContingent valuationStated preferences
 

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In this article:
1 Introduction 
2 Survey Mode Effects — Sources and Types 
3 Survey Mode Comparisons in the Stated Preference Literature 
4 Discussion and Implications for SP Practice and Research 
References 

Abstract

Internet is quickly becoming the survey mode of choice for stated preference (SP) surveys in environmental economics. However, this choice is being made with relatively little consideration of its potential influence on survey results. This paper reviews the theory and emerging evidence of mode effects in the survey methodology and SP literatures, summarizes the findings, and points out implications for Internet SP practice and research. The SP studies that compare Internet with other modes do generally not find substantial difference. The majority of welfare estimates are equal; or somewhat lower for the Internet surveys. Further, there is no clear evidence of substantially lower quality or validity of Internet responses. However, the degree of experimental control is often low in comparative studies across survey modes, and they often confound measurement and sample composition effects. Internet offers a huge potential for experimentation and innovation in SP research, but when used to derive reliable welfare estimates for policy assessment, issues like representation and nonresponse bias for different Internet panels should receive more attention.

DOI:10.1561/101.00000045