Frederick G. Conrad

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Frederick G. Conrad is a leading figure in survey methodology, whose work bridges cognitive psychology and the practical challenges of data collection. His research primarily focuses on how the design of survey interviews—whether human-led or automated—affects respondent behavior and data quality. Conrad’s most-cited work, "Interviewer Speech and the Success of Survey Invitations" (2012), with 44 citations, demonstrates his keen interest in the subtle dynamics of interviewer-respondent interaction. This study revealed that the way interviewers speak—their tone, pace, and conversational style—significantly influences whether people agree to participate in telephone surveys, a critical insight for improving response rates in an era of declining public engagement. Beyond this, Conrad has made foundational contributions to understanding how respondents process survey questions, particularly in computer-assisted and web-based surveys. His work has shaped best practices for designing clear, unbiased questions and for training interviewers to reduce measurement error. With a career dedicated to making surveys more accurate and efficient, Conrad’s research is essential reading for anyone interested in the science of asking questions and the art of getting reliable answers.