Blending Survey Data and Theory to Comprehend Refusal Reasons in Social Surveys

This study focuses on the reasons behind the refusal behavior of survey respondents in the era of steadily declining response trends in social surveys. In this sense, the primary goal of the study is to examine refusal reasons by contact attempts and interview outcomes in the light of nonresponse theories. The data source of the study is the 10th round of the European Social Survey (ESS10), a large-scale and cross-national survey carried out in European countries. In the survey, it is possible to observe the reasons behind refusals using the contact forms, which are mainly used to collect paradata. The study findings are discussed along with the nonresponse theories assisting in our understanding of the reasons underlying refusals. A particular attention was given to the leverage-salience theory which posits a direct relationship between survey participation and respondent benefits. The study concludes by presenting methodological strategies to reduce the increasing rates of nonresponse, concentrating on refusals. Finally, it is expected to develop practical implications for social survey settings in Türkiye.