What can lead to non-response errors in survey results?

Non-response errors occur when individuals selected for a survey do not participate, leading to an incomplete dataset that can skew the results. Participant dropout is a significant factor in this context. When participants who initially agree to take part in a survey do not complete it, this results in a loss of data and can introduce bias if the reasons for dropout are related to the survey questions or subject matter.

The dropout could occur for various reasons, such as lack of time, disengagement, misunderstanding of questions, or dissatisfaction with the survey format. Understanding this link is crucial for researchers because it emphasizes the importance of maintaining participant engagement throughout the survey process to ensure more representative and reliable results.

Other choices can contribute to the quality of survey results but don’t directly lead to non-response errors in the same way. For instance, survey distribution methods can influence who receives the survey, but do not directly cause non-responses among those who receive it. Overly complex questions can lead to misunderstandings or frustration, but they may not necessarily result in dropout; respondents could end up completing the survey despite challenges. High response rates generally indicate successful engagement and low non-response rates, which makes option about participant dropout a more accurate explanation for non-response errors.