Feedback from Sampled Units

A while ago, I wrote about developing algorithms that determine when to switch modes. I noted that the problem was that in many multiple mode surveys, there is very little feedback. For instance, in mailed and web surveys, the only feedback is a returned letter or email. We also know the outcome -- whether the mode succeeded or failed.

I still think the most promising avenues for this type of switching are from interviewer-administered modes. For instance, can we pick up clues from answering machine messages that would indicate that we should change our policy (mode)?

It may also be that panel studies with multiple modes are a good setting for developing this sort of algorithm. An event observed at one time period, or the response to questions predicting a mode more likely to induce response might be useful "feedback" in such a setting.

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Assessment of Maching Learning Classifiers

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