Why were HINTS 2007 data collected using 2 modes?
Prior HINTS surveys were conducted by drawing a sample using a random-digit-dial (RDD) procedure and administering the interview by telephone. However, over the last few years, the ability to complete RDD surveys has become increasingly difficult. Response rates to RDD surveys have been decreasing steadily because of the public’s reluctance to participate. This reluctance affects both the quality and cost of conducting the survey. The quality is potentially affected because it lowers the overall response rate. The cost is affected because more calls have to be placed to complete the same number of interviews. In addition, RDD surveys have not traditionally included cell phones as part of the survey population. Because of the proliferation of using cell phones, the percentage of persons who do not have access to a landline telephone has been steadily growing. At the time HINTS 2007 was conducted, this percentage was greater than 15% of all adults. Those who do not have access to a landl
