Nonresponse in name generators across countries and survey modes

Abstract

Past research indicates interviewer effects lead to an underestimation of network size and higher nonresponse to the “important matters” name generator. Self-administered surveys offer a potential solution, but evidence is mixed and context-specific. We employ a logistic multilevel regression, estimated using a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo approach, to analyze nonresponse to this name generator from 33 post-electoral surveys across 21 countries in the Comparative National Election Project. We find higher nonresponse in interviewer-administered surveys compared to self-administered surveys, particularly among specific demographic groups. Finally, we discuss the trade-offs in selecting survey modes for collecting ego-network data using this instrument.