Digital Incentives in Surveys: Response Rates and Sociodemographic Effects in a Large-Scale Parental Nudge Intervention

Kalena E. Cortes, Brian Holzman, Melissa Gentry and Miranda Lambert

AEA Papers and Proceedings, 2026, vol. 116, 611-617

Abstract: This study examines how digital incentives influence survey participation and engagement in a large randomized controlled trial of parents across six school districts. We test how incentive amount and information about vendor options affect response behavior and explore differences by language background. Incentivized parents were more likely to engage in the program, from starting the survey to choosing an essential-goods gift card. However, Spanish-speaking parents exhibited distinct patterns—greater survey participation rates but lower gift redemption rates. Increasing incentive value and providing advance information both improved engagement. Findings inform the design of equitable, effective digital incentive strategies for diverse populations.

JEL-codes: C83 I21 J12 J13 J15 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Related works:
Working Paper: Digital Incentives in Surveys: Response Rates and Sociodemographic Effects in a Large-Scale Parental Nudge Intervention (2026)
Working Paper: Digital Incentives in Surveys: Response Rates and Sociodemographic Effects in a Large-Scale Parental Nudge Intervention (2025)
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DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20261123

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