Use of Existing Panel Studies for Data Collection in Social Work Research

Background and Purpose: As social work research reaches new levels of sophistication it is critical to explore innovative methodologies and ways of collecting data.  This paper explores the benefits and challenges of using existing panel surveys for original research studies utilizing a case study focusing on psychosocial well-being among older adults with cancer. 

Methods: The case study sample was drawn from the KnowledgePanel®, a panel selected using probability sampling covering the United States and conducted through the GfK Group.  The KnowledgePanel® covers approximately 97 percent of all addresses in the United States. Surveys are conducted online and households are provided with a notebook computer and internet access if needed.  Participants in this panel complete a demographic profile survey that is updated annually.

In this study, the researcher developed the survey questionnaire and GfK formatted the online version.  A hard copy and web version of the survey was pre-tested by 5 social science experts. After adjusting for reviewer feedback the survey was then pre-tested by 20 qualified respondents from the KnowledgePanel®.

The survey was sent to adults over the age of 65 who had been diagnosed with cancer in the past five years.  Those selected for the survey were notified via e-mail on October 17, 2014, with a link to the survey questionnaire.  Due to the low response rate among adults 85 years and older, on October 23, 2014, non-responders in this age group received custom reminder e-mail prompts and interactive voice response (IVR) phone calls along with a $5 incentives to complete the survey.  The survey closed on October 27, 2014. 

Results: For the case study, a random sample of 1,180 was drawn from the 1,470 panel participants ages 65 through 85.  Additionally, all panel participants over the age of 85 (N=102) were asked to participate in the study.  Thus, a total of 1,282 panel participants were sent the survey.  Of those, 987 participants responded yielding a response rate of 77%.  Of the 987, 39% reported being diagnosed with cancer in the last five years resulting in a total analysis sample of 384.

This methodology yielded several benefits including online survey development expertise, efficient data collection and entry, creation of data set in SPSS, expert advice, representative sampling, use of a non-clinical based sample, and high response rates.  However, the process was cost-prohibitive and the development of data weights by GfK prevented the end user from changing the sample without re-consulting with the company.

Conclusion: Exploration of new ways of collecting data can yield richer, more representative findings for social work research studies.  Building off of existing panel studies prevents duplication of efforts and potential to better reach specific populations.  As we seek to understand pressing social problems, it is imperative that we strive to seek new opportunities for data collection and research design.