Efficiency of split questionnaire surveys

We consider a general design that allows information for different patterns, or sets, of data items to be collected from different sample units, which we call a Split Questionnaire Design (SQD). While SQDs have been historically used to accommodate constraints on respondent burden, this paper shows they can also be an efficient design option. The efficiency of a design can be measured by the cost required to meet constraints on the accuracy of estimates. Moreover, this paper shows how an SQD provides considerable flexibility when exploring the balance between the design's efficiency and the burden it places on respondents. The targets of interest to the design are analytic parameters, such as regression coefficients. Empirical results show that SQDs are worthwhile considering.