2024/03/28 by Adam J. Berinsky, Alejandro Frydman, Michele F. Margolis +2 · 1 voice · 3 citations
Economics, Econometrics and Finance · Social Sciences · #Economic and Environmental Valuation #Social and Intergroup Psychology #Survey Methodology and Nonresponse
paper · doi:10.1093/poq/nfae004
openalex publication_date 2024/03/28 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/21
Abstract The surge in online self-administered surveys has given rise to an extensive body of literature on respondent inattention, also known as careless or insufficient effort responding. This burgeoning literature has outlined the consequences of inattention and made important strides in developing effective methods to identify inattentive respondents. However, differences in terminology, as well as a multiplicity of different methods for measuring and correcting for inattention, have made this literature unwieldy. We present an overview of the current state of this literature, highlighting commonalities, emphasizing key debates, and outlining open questions deserving of future research. Additionally, we emphasize the key considerations that survey researchers should take into account when measuring attention.