Comparison of preservation values between Internet and interview survey modes: the case of Dokdo, South Korea

Abstract

With the increase in employment of Internet surveys, there is a need to address how this survey mode affects inferences. Internet and interview modes are compared in estimating the preservation value of Dokdo, South Korea. Estimates of willingness to pay in the Internet survey are smaller than those in the interview survey. This may be attributable to the interview respondents being conscious of the presence of the interviewers, given the social importance of Dokdo to Koreans. Internet surveys may be effective in reducing overestimation of the willingness to pay in situations where potential social desirability is present.

Keywords:

• contingent valuation method
• Dokdo
• Internet survey
• interview survey

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea Grant funded by the Korean Government [grant number NRF-2012S1A5A2A01020712].