Project Details
Projekt
Challenges and Potentials of Capturing Short-term Dynamics of Attitude Development Through Smartphone-based Intensive Longitudinal Methods in Public Opinion Research (SmartDyn)
Applicants
Dr. Axel Burger; Dr. Joss Roßmann; Dr. Julia Weiß
Subject Area
Empirical Social Research
Term
since 2024
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 539621742
Capturing the dynamics of attitudes, beliefs, and behavioral intentions during critical periods, as well as measuring variables and constructs that can potentially explain these dynamics, presents a major challenge for social scientific research, which is particularly eminent for studies of electoral campaigns. In this context, measuring respondents’ use of different information sources, along with their exposure to and reactions to specific media content and campaign activities, constitute a major challenge for survey researchers. This project delves into the methodological challenges and analytical potentials of app-based intensive longitudinal methods beyond traditional survey approaches. The data for this project will be collected via a smartphone-based study during the campaign phase of the 2025 Federal Election in Germany. Within the framework of three work packages, we will investigate the following: First, we seek to investigate how to enhance participation in smartphone-based intensive longitudinal designs by conducting two experiments: one assessing the effects of varying incentive schemes on study participation and retention, and the other analyzing the relationship between the frequency of task requests, that is, the burden for the individual, and continued participation and study retention across the data collection period. By this we aim to determine how varying monetary incentive schemes may be employed to boost participation rates and whether increased survey frequency deters participants, while also considering the implications on sample composition. Second, we aim to leverage unique features of app-based data collections by testing app tracking to gather accurate measures of media usage. Further, we will employ a data donation approach where participants upload political content they encounter, utilize the real-time flexibility of the app to survey reactions to live political events, and explore the potential of voice recordings to reduce participant burden and capture unfiltered participant reactions. Third, we aim to empirically explore the analytical potential of intensive longitudinal methods for understanding the dynamics of attitudes, emotions, and political engagement during electoral campaigns. By utilizing high-frequency data collection, the project seeks to delve deeper into areas such as attitudes toward political entities, media exposure, political discussions, and emotional responses. This offers a more granular understanding of voters' behavior and emotions in the context of elections and evaluates the efficiency and impact of these intensive survey methods.
DFG Programme
Infrastructure Priority Programmes
