Measuring Norms and Enumerator Effects: Survey Method Matters

Pablo Álvarez-Aragón and Hugues Champeaux ()
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Pablo Álvarez-Aragón: UNIBO - Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna = University of Bologna [Bologne]
Hugues Champeaux: GATE Lyon Saint-Étienne - Groupe d'Analyse et de Théorie Economique Lyon - Saint-Etienne - UL2 - Université Lumière - Lyon 2 - UJM - Université Jean Monnet - Saint-Étienne - UJM EPE - Université Jean Monnet (EPSCPE) - EM - EMLyon Business School - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UJM - Université Jean Monnet - Saint-Étienne - UJM EPE - Université Jean Monnet (EPSCPE)

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Abstract: Abstract This paper examines how survey methods influence reported outcomes by comparing two survey methods: the standard face-to-face interview and an alternative method named the Human-Assisted Self-Administered (HASA) survey. In HASA, respondents are guided to self-answer on a tablet, while enumerators read the questions aloud and offer technical support. This approach provides continuous enumerator support while maintaining a higher level of confidentiality compared to face-to-face interviews. Leveraging a randomized controlled trial in Benin, with random assignment of the survey mode, the analysis reveals that survey methods significantly influence responses, especially for questions sensitive to enumerator presence. These differences are most salient for items related to gender norms and women's agency. Respondents interviewed through HASA report fewer gender-equal attitudes and behaviors. Investigating the mechanisms, the findings suggest that face-to-face interviews may be more prone to social desirability bias.

Date: 2026-01-28
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Published in World Bank Economic Review, 2026, ⟨10.1093/wber/lhaf043⟩

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05774315

DOI: 10.1093/wber/lhaf043

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