SSRS Text Message Panel
Probability-based, Quick Turnaround Polling
The SSRS Text Message Panel team includes industry renowned technological experts and methodologists who stand ready to support both data collection and analytic client needs. We work closely with clients from the early project planning stages to developing and delivering effective customized solutions. Our services include questionnaire design, questionnaire programming and hosting, user experience (UX) testing, cognitive interviews, data collection, statistical weighting, and data analysis and reporting. Specific SSRS Text Message Panel services include:
- Questionnaire design consulting that meets industry best practices.
- Methodological consulting.
- Highly collaborative team that works closely in meeting client schedules.
- Design and implementation of subpopulation-specific surveys that leverage panelist profile data, such as surveys of Hispanics, people with specific health insurance statuses, caregivers, parents, registered voters, and people with different chronic health conditions.
The SSRS Text Message Panel is recruited as a part of our probability-based SSRS Opinion Panel. Panel members are recruited randomly based on a nationally representative ABS (Address Based Sample) probability design (including Hawaii and Alaska). Additionally, we recruit hard-to-reach demographic groups via our Omnibus survey platform. The SSRS Omnibus survey is a nationally representative (including Hawaii and Alaska) bilingual telephone survey designed to meet standards of quality associated with custom research studies. The SSRS Omnibus completes more than 50,000 surveys annually with a 70% cell allocation.
The advantage of this recruiting design is that it relies on a high-quality ABS design that utilizes a sampling frame that has almost complete coverage of the population and yields a higher response rate compared to phone. Additionally, it leverages our Omnibus platform to ensure adequate representation of typically under-represented groups in public opinion polls such as Hispanics, African Americans, lower educated, or lower income populations.
During the recruitment process, full demographic information on panelists is collected. This data is stored securely and used to determine eligibility for specific studies (if needed). We also rely on these data in order to improve the survey experience for panelists by avoiding the need to re-ask demographic questions with each survey. Samples are drawn among panel members to best meet the study criteria.
Survey invitations are sent via text messages. Respondents take interactive surveys via text message on their phone (as opposed to receiving a survey link via text message). The advantage of this approach is that these surveys can be taken by everyone who has a cell phone, and not just those with smartphones. Research shows that while 81% of adults have a smartphone, 15% of adults have a cell phone that is not a smartphone**. In addition, internet service is not required for text message-based surveys as it uses cellular data.
To ensure that sample estimates are unbiased and projectable, SSRS Text Message Panel data are weighted based on industry best practices. The weighting process starts with the application of a base weight which accounts for disproportionate probabilities of selection across panelists. Following the application of the base weight, survey data are calibrated to known target population parameters such as age, race, gender, region, and education. SSRS advanced methods team can turn-around weights very quickly.
Most recent research suggests that full probability samples provide the most accurate data. Surveys that utilize a probability sample combined with an opt-in sample are less accurate than surveys of full probability samples. Least accurate are surveys comprised entirely of opt-in panel sample.*** The SSRS Text Message Panel is a fully probability-based panel because it recruits randomly selected panelists from a probability-based sample source that reflects the full U.S. adult population (ABS and dual-frame RDD). Results obtained from this panel can statistically represent the target population with a known margin of error. Unlike typical opt-in panels, no one can “volunteer” to be part of the SSRS Text Message Panel. They must be selected randomly and invited to participate. Most other text message panels are opt-in panels.
***The Accuracy of Measurement with probability and non-probability survey samples by Bo MacInnis, Jon A. Krosnick, Annabell S. Ho, Mu-Jung Cho, POQ, Vol 82, No. 4, Winter 2018, pp. 707-744
SSRS Text Message Panel standard deliverables include a weighted SPSS data file including survey responses, standard demographic variables, and an AAPOR compliant methodology statement. Standard panel demographic variables included in the data are age, gender, education, employment status, race, marital status, income, home ownership, region, and party ID.
