Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The purpose of this study was a pilot test to increase our understanding of known cell phone users and their likelihood of inclusion in current RDD sample frame. Four main concerns were identified:

1. Estimate cell phone users’ willingness to participate in surveys.
2. Quantify the extent to which cell phone users may not be included in regular RDD sample frames.
3. Quantify the extent to which cell phone users are reachable using landlines.
4. Identify the characteristics of cell phone users who may not be reachable using traditional landlines.

The study design focused more on what could reasonably be done within the parameters of a cell-phone conversation with the risks of disconnects, static and unknown response rates instead of a comprehensive study of users characteristics and behaviors. At the same time, the data collection methodology had to stay within the guidelines of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits unsolicited calls to cell phones under certain guidelines.

A random sample of known cell phone numbers were selected from Maryland, New York and California where only dedicated to wireless services exchanges are assigned. A short three minute paper script survey was used for a target of 200 completes. Following state laws and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, the sample was hand dialed by interviewers and a paper script was used for data collection.

Publication Type: Session Paper

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Due to their ubiquity and personalization, mobile phones have been recognized as effective tools of marketing communications and mobile commerce. Understanding the ethos of mobile phone users is a critical issue to marketers who use mobile phones as an advertising medium and marketing tool.
The purpose of this study was to substantiate relationships between mobile phone users and their devices and to develop measurement scales for users’ attachment to their devices. This study proposed the concept of users’ attachment to their mobile devices and explored the dimensions of measuring said attachment. Initial development of relevant measurement items and the survey results used to refine the items and assess measurement properties are described.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The number of wireless subscribers continues to increase in the United States with nearly 148,000,000 by July, 2003. Traditional telephone frames and RDD surveys continue to be affected by increasing penetration of wireless phones. Telephone number portability also poses new challenges for telephone and wireless phone surveys. To date there have been only a limited number of surveys conducted using wireless phone frames, in part due to strict FCC guidelines. But as subscribers begin to port their wireline/wireless numbers and as the number of wireless subscribers increases, more emphasis will be placed on incorporating wireless numbers into sampling frames or on surveys conducted using frames of wireless phone numbers. As a consequence, methods of contacting subscribers via their mobile phone will become increasingly important.

The recent technological advances in digital mobile phone devices being introduced are creating the potential for multiple modes of contact including: text messaging, photographic and other attachment transmissions and web mail. In fact, 92 percent of wireless subscribers use a digital device and could potentially be contacted using one of these alternatives. For example, a researcher could send a text message prior to phone contact alerting the subscriber of an upcoming interview. These text alerts may also be used to help the interviewers schedule “safe/appropriate” times for callbacks. Wireless phone enabled panels could also be constructed and contacted using short text polls, similar to web-enabled panels or people-meter samples.

In this paper various methods of contact available to researchers conducting surveys of wireless subscribers will be introduced along with a discussion of the inherent variation in these services across the major wireless providers. Some emphasis will also be given to the effect of number portability on these options. A brief discussion of the uses and extensions of these technologies in European surveys will also be included.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This telephone survey of 1200 Israeli adult men and women was conducted in order to study the way people use the mobile phone in emergency situations. Following an explication of a repertoire of emergency situations, including common universal as well as security-related emergencies, data are presented regarding the respondents’ perceptions of emergencies and their use of the mobile phone in such situations. Data indicate differential perceptions of the respondents’ own use of the mobile and the use by others. Data also present the uses made by the respondents in connection with terror attacks as one of the most severe kinds of emergencies. Mobiles are used in these situations to exchange information with loved ones and friends and to a lesser degree to provide emotional support. The paper ends with a brief discussion on the use of mobiles in emergencies within the general context of the nature and meaning of mobile communication.