Memory Issues in Surveys for Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Qian Wenqing, Yu Wenshan, Ofstedal Mary Beth, Smith Jacqui, Larkina Marina, Sonnega Amanda
Primary Institution: University of Michigan
Hypothesis
Do question type and topic matter in retrospective life history surveys for older adults?
Conclusion
The study found that certain survey item characteristics affect the rate of missing responses in retrospective surveys of older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- The item missing rate was low at 7.8%.
- Grids had higher item missing rates than non-grid items.
- Midlife questions had a higher missing rate than childhood questions in non-grid formats.
- Episodic questions had a higher missing rate compared to semantic questions in grid formats.
Takeaway
When older people answer surveys about their past, some types of questions are harder for them to answer, which can lead to missing information.
Methodology
The study analyzed item-missingness in the Health and Retirement Study Life History Mail Survey by coding items on four dimensions.
Limitations
The study may not account for all factors affecting data quality in retrospective surveys.
Participant Demographics
Participants were older adults over age 50.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website