Abstract

Surveys published by magazines, newspapers, internet, ... collect the opinions of people that respond spontaneously (Spontaneous Response Research). Because this way a large number of people can be reached, it is easily assumed that the gathered image from these surveys is reliable and representative. Being a cheap and easy method – especially through internet surveys – Spontaneous Response Research has been applied and quoted more and more by journalists and policy-makers. In this contribution we examine the value of Spontaneous Response Research. We analyze and compare the answers given to identical questions from two studies on ‘Mobility’ – one based on spontaneous response, the other on a sample taken at random – and analyze the difference in composition of respondents. Our analyses indicate that it is incorrect to consider the answers of Spontaneous Response Research as representative and to generalize them. At the end of this contribution we show how research based on spontaneous response, given that it is used and interpreted correctly, can still be valuable as a policy instrument.

How to Cite:

Glorieux, I. & Moens, M. & Van Thielen, L., (2005) “Spontaan respons onderzoek: staal zonder waarde?: over de valkuilen en mogelijkheden van spontaan respons onderzoek als beleidsinstrument”, Tijdschrift voor Sociologie 26(1-2), 154–173. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/sociologos.86631