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Optimizing Opt-Out Consent for Record Linkage

Author

Listed:
  • Das Marcel

    (CentERdata and Tilburg School of Economics and Management, Tilburg University, P.O. Box 90153, 5000 LE Tilburg, The Netherlands)

  • Couper Mick P.

    (Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, P.O. Box 1248, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, U.S.A.)

Abstract

This article reports on a study testing the effects of different ways of administering an opt-out consent for record linkage in a probability-based Internet panel. First, we conducted cognitive interviews to explore reactions to a draft version of the opt-out consent text. Second, we conducted a two-factor experiment to test the effects of content manipulations and mode. The results indicate that the way in which respondents were informed did not have much effect on opting out. Results from a follow-up survey on attitudes regarding privacy, confidentiality, and trust, along with knowledge questions about the process of linking, showed no evidence that presenting the opt-out consent statement makes respondents more concerned about privacy. Knowledge about the aspects of record linkage is generally not high. When looking at long-term effects of sending an opt-out consent statement, we found no evidence that this leads to higher attrition or lower participation rates.

Suggested Citation

  • Das Marcel & Couper Mick P., 2014. "Optimizing Opt-Out Consent for Record Linkage," Journal of Official Statistics, Sciendo, vol. 30(3), pages 1-19, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:offsta:v:30:y:2014:i:3:p:19:n:9
    DOI: 10.2478/jos-2014-0030
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Danice K. Eaton & Richard Lowry & Nancy D. Brener & Jo Anne Grunbaum & Laura Kann, 2004. "Passive versus Active Parental Permission in School-Based Survey Research," Evaluation Review, , vol. 28(6), pages 564-577, December.
    2. Sala, Emanuela & Knies, Gundi & Burton, Jonathan, 2013. "Propensity to consent to data linkage: experimental evidence from the Innovation Panel on the role of three survey design features," Understanding Society Working Paper Series 2013-05, Understanding Society at the Institute for Social and Economic Research.
    3. Joseph W. Sakshaug & Mick P. Couper & Mary Beth Ofstedal & David R. Weir, 2012. "Linking Survey and Administrative Records," Sociological Methods & Research, , vol. 41(4), pages 535-569, November.
    4. Carolyn Anderman & Allen Cheadle & Susan Curry & Paula Diehr & Linda Shultz & Edward Wagner, 1995. "Selection Bias Related To Parental Consent in School-Based Survey Research," Evaluation Review, , vol. 19(6), pages 663-674, December.
    5. Emanuela Sala & Jonathan Burton & Gundi Knies, 2012. "Correlates of Obtaining Informed Consent to Data Linkage," Sociological Methods & Research, , vol. 41(3), pages 414-439, August.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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