This paper summarizes the outcomes of a workshop on data quality and respondent behavior in household travel surveys. The participants examined challenges in collecting travel data amid technological advances and changing behaviors. Discussions addressed non-response and soft refusals, measurement errors, underrepresentation, and integrating new data sources. Persistent issues include sampling biases affecting certain demographics and limited access to specific housing types, with technology-driven outreach suggested as a remedy. While app-based surveys have their advantages, they complicate weighting and data alignment. Technological innovations have enhanced precision and reduced respondent burden but introduced new biases. Case studies illustrated both benefits and drawbacks of methods like multi-frame sampling, paradata use for quality assessment, and experimental designs to minimize errors. the participants highlighted the need for context-sensitive survey design, transparency in bias reporting, and alignment with policy goals. They called for adaptable frameworks that reflect evolving behaviors and social dynamics.
Höing et al. (Thu,) studied this question.