Much empirical research in economics and other social sciences is based on data from household surveys. Panel surveys are particularly valuable for understanding dynamics and heterogeneity. A possible concern with panel surveys is that survey participation itself may alter subsequent behaviour. We provide novel evidence of survey effects on household financial behaviour in a developed country. We exploit randomised assignment to survey modules within a Dutch internet panel survey. We show that households that respond to detailed questions on expenditures and needs in retirement subsequently reduced their non-housing savings by 1,700 euros (about 3.5 percent of income). Our saving measure is based on linked administrative wealth data, allowing us to distinguish changes in saving behaviour from changes in reporting behaviour.
Presented by:
Tom Crossley (University of Essex, Dept. of Economics)
Date & time:
October 23, 2013 11:00 am
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