Improving survey fieldwork with paradata

This PhD thesis shows how paradata (process data) and other auxiliary variables can he used to improve survey fieldwork. Examples are: response, and how to accomplish a more respresentative response by means of adaptive survey design; advance letters, and the different impact they can have on sample persons; call scheduling, the study of timing and spacing of visits. The thesis pays ample attention to the role of interviewers, understanding their behaviour, and the impact of interviewer behaviour on the quality of survey results.