The Shy Respondent and Propensity to Participate in Surveys: A Proof-of-Concept Study

The Democratic presidential support among voters was overstated in 88% of national polls 2016 and 93% 2020. "shy voter" phenomenon from British electoral politics one explanation offered the elections. Although a similar pattern occurred 2020 election polls, evidence does not misrepresentation voting intent by Trump supporters as explanation. However, an alternative hypothesis self-selection bias against pre-election surveys has been proposed. Moreover, if these were less likely to participate due psychosocial predisposition, then their absence might be corrected sample weighting based on demographics party affiliation. This study explores whether there is segment population with personality or behavioral predisposition that makes them want avoid ("shy respondents") this affects likelihood survey participation voting. As part motivators barriers participation, we had proxy measure shyness: "I prefer stay out sight counted government surveys." We compare stated both willingness find respondent" related future surveys. respondents" vote than others, majority "always" Collectively, who are unlikely represent about 10% "likely voters" shyness also political alienation measures, which may lead underrepresentation more populist leaning respondents relationship generally slight so demographic correct for polls.