How Often Do Survey Research Participants Read Instructions? The Impact of Attentiveness and Screen Time

• In Event: Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: Tailoring Survey Instruments for Varied Educational Contexts

Abstract

This study explored participants’ likelihood to read and follow listed instructions on a survey. Survey participants (n=315) completed one of four forms of a survey, some of which had longer/shorter instructions, and some of which had scale items chunked, and others displayed scale items on a single screen. Findings indicated that participants who completed a survey with shorter instructions were more likely to follow instructions than those who completed a survey with longer instructions; similarly, those whose survey form displayed all items on a single screen were more apt to follow instructions. The findings also showed that a participant's perception of their own inattentiveness did not significantly predict whether they followed instructions. A discussion and implications are provided.

Authors

• Terrance Joshua Lewis, University of Alabama

• David T. Marshall, Auburn University

• Rita Fiagbor, Auburn University

• Elizabeth Danson, Auburn University

• Allison Croysdale, Auburn University