Effects of data collection methods in travel and activity research. On behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, Transport Research Centre AVV.

The aims of this study are: (i) to examine the relevant methodological literature on the data collection method effects in transportation and time use research; and (ii) to investigate how the results of this literature review relate to experts' opinions and experiences. The literature review in transportation and time use research is positioned into the wider context of methodological research on survey methods. Special attention is given to the following aspects: (1) questionnaire versus diary; (2) face-to-face interview versus telephone interview versus mail questionnaire; (3) computerised versus non-computerised versions; (4) non-coverage; (5) non-response; (6) item non-response; (7) response non-response; (7) response effects; (8) costs; and (9) sampling issues. The results of the literature review and especially the experts' responses indicate the lack of systematic research on data collection method effects, with a few notable exceptions, in transportation. Based on the literature research and the experts' opinions, it is argued that diary data as opposed to data about typical or average behavioural patterns, should preferably be collected. The various options of how to design a diary are systematically discussed. Recommendations for each of the implied choice dimensions are derived from the available literature.