The influence of device characteristics on data collection using a Mobile App.

Abstract

Previous research has found differences in survey outcomes on mobile devices and PCs. A wide variety of mobiles devices are used to respond to surveys. Little is known about how differences in mobile devices may affect data quality. Data is from the Understanding Society Spending Study One, an app-based study asking participants to take pictures of receipts or submit information about purchases. Results suggest some survey outcomes can be strongly affected by the device used. Important device characteristics affecting data quality were whether the device was a tablet or smartphone, the operating system, and the amount of Random-Access Memory.