Final answer:
In the late 1990s, 36% of contacted households completed a phone survey. Today, about 10% of households participate.
The answer is option ⇒C
Step-by-step explanation:
This decrease in participation can be attributed to several factors:
1. Technological changes: In the late 1990s, landline phones were the primary mode of communication, and households were more likely to have a landline phone. Phone surveys conducted during this time could reach a larger portion of the population. However, with the widespread adoption of mobile phones and the decline in landline usage, reaching households for phone surveys has become more challenging.
2. Caller ID and spam filters: With the advancement of technology, households have become more cautious about answering calls from unknown or unfamiliar numbers. Caller ID allows people to screen their calls and avoid answering unwanted calls, including those from phone survey organizations. Additionally, spam filters in smartphones can automatically block or redirect calls that are suspected to be spam or telemarketing.
3. Survey fatigue and skepticism: Over time, people may have become more wary of phone surveys and skeptical of their purpose or motives. They may perceive phone surveys as intrusive or time-consuming and choose not to participate. Moreover, individuals may have received multiple phone survey requests over time, leading to survey fatigue, where they no longer wish to engage in further surveys.
4. Alternative survey methods: With the rise of online surveys and other data collection methods, such as social media polls or targeted advertisements, households may prefer these alternatives over phone surveys. Online surveys offer convenience, anonymity, and the ability to complete them at a convenient time.
The answer is option ⇒C