Abstract The use of web surveys is a common and popular data collection method in behavioral and social research. Compared to other established survey modes, web surveys are frequently cheaper and less time consuming, because they are commonly self-administered. They also allow respondents to take part with few time and location restrictions. However, research has shown that web surveys are frequently associated with multitasking, which may negatively affect response behavior and response quality. In this study, we use paradata detecting switching away from the web survey to explore on-device media multitasking. We conducted a web survey in an opt-in access panel in Germany and randomly assigned respondents to a PC or smartphone condition. The results reveal that on-device media multitasking is more common on PCs than on smartphones. We also find evidence that engaging in on-device media multitasking affects response quality. Respondents who switch away are more likely to select the middle response category. In addition, the results show that the question presentation format, the device type, and respondents’ age and education are associated with the occurrence of on-device media multitasking. These findings point to the importance of controlling for on-device media multitasking in web surveys.

中文翻译：

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切换：探索网络调查中的设备媒体多任务处理

摘要 网络调查的使用是行为和社会研究中一种常见且流行的数据收集方法。与其他已建立的调查模式相比，网络调查通常更便宜且耗时更少，因为它们通常是自我管理的。它们还允许受访者在几乎没有时间和地点限制的情况下参与。然而，研究表明网络调查经常与多任务相关联，这可能会对响应行为和响应质量产生负面影响。在这项研究中，我们使用 Paradata 检测从网络调查中切换的方式来探索设备上的媒体多任务处理。我们在德国的一个选择加入访问小组中进行了一项网络调查，并将受访者随机分配到 PC 或智能手机条件。结果表明，与智能手机相比，PC 上的设备上媒体多任务处理更为普遍。我们还发现参与设备媒体多任务处理会影响响应质量的证据。离开的受访者更有可能选择中间的回答类别。此外，结果表明，问题呈现格式、设备类型、受访者的年龄和教育程度与设备媒体多任务处理的发生有关。这些发现表明在网络调查中控制设备上媒体多任务处理的重要性。