Evaluating Survey Methods for Understanding Muslim Experiences in the Netherlands

Objective and Background

The primary objective of this study was to survey the Muslim population in the Netherlands to better understand their everyday life experiences. Muslims, constituting approximately 6% of the Dutch population, represent one of the largest religious minority groups in the country. However, the diverse origins and backgrounds within this community present challenges to traditional sampling methods, which often struggle to effectively reach and represent such groups.

To address these challenges, for this study we utilized an onomastic approach, combining traditional probability-based sampling with auxiliary data sourced from social media platforms. This innovative approach entailed examining publicly accessible names and surnames to deduce countries of origin, with a particular focus on nations that have significant Muslim populations. By integrating this data, we aimed to enhance the representativeness of the sample and gain deeper insights into the lives of Muslims in the Netherlands.

Methodology

Traditional sampling methods often face difficulties in effectively reaching and representing religious minority groups, such as the diverse Muslim community. To overcome these challenges, this study used an onomastic approach, integrating a probability-based sample with supplementary data from social media platforms. By examining names and surnames collected from publicly available sources, we inferred countries of origin, prioritizing those with higher proportions of Muslim populations.

The main sample was drawn from Lifepanel, our probability-based panel. To identify panel members who are most likely to have Muslim origins, we also examined browser language data enriched with additional information from social media language setup and device language, concentrating on languages that are predominantly spoken in Muslim-majority nations. The primary fieldwork for online interviews involved sending survey invitations to panel members via email and SMS.

To ensure a balanced representation and minimize coverage errors, the survey utilized a combination of Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) and Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI)-assisted CAWI. This approach helps to avoid overrepresentation of certain respondent groups that can result from relying on a single survey mode. Additionally, the high experience level of all interviewers contributed to fewer errors and a reduced theoretical margin of error.

For the telephone-assisted portion, CATI interviews were conducted using a screened random digit dialing (RDD) sample that included both landline and mobile numbers. The sample was enhanced with auxiliary data—such as first name, last name, and country of origin—to determine respondents’ religion. This determination was based either on an onomastic approach, which uses first and last names, or on country information for regions with a high percentage of Muslim populations.

This dual approach allowed us to directly analyze responses and completion rates, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of each method in reaching and engaging the target population.

Sample and Data Collection

The survey was conducted over a two-month period, with a sample size large enough to account for the anticipated screenout rate and ensure sufficient responses from the target audience.

Survey respondents who participated through Lifepanel completed the web-based questionnaire on their own. For the CATI interviews, trained interviewers surveyed respondents over the phone, providing guidance throughout the process. 

Respondents reached via both contact modes received unique links to access the survey, which were verified using a token system. Data collection was monitored daily during the fieldwork period, with consistent quality checks applied throughout.

Challenges Encountered

Several challenges arose during the fieldwork:

1. High Ineligibility Rate: During the fieldwork, a significant number of individuals initially identified as potential respondents were found ineligible. High ineligibility rates were observed as the fieldwork progressed
2. Overrepresentation of Highly Educated Individuals: Despite efforts to ensure demographic diversity, the sample included a disproportionately large number of respondents with higher education levels, which could impact the generalizability of findings.
3. Low response rates for the CAWI mode: Respondents who did not identify as Muslim, would not engage with the survey.

Key Findings

Early findings from the study revealed notable differences in engagement and completion rates between CATI and CAWI:

• Completion Rates: CATI demonstrated higher completion rates, suggesting that personalized, interviewer-led interactions may be more effective for certain segments of the population.
• Engagement Patterns: Distinct patterns of engagement emerged between the two modes, with CAWI appealing more to younger and tech-savvy respondents.
  

Beyond methodological differences, our findings reveal that:

• 63% of respondents preferred donating the incentive rather than receiving it themselves
• Despite language and name matching, only 32% identified as Muslims

Implications and Contributions

This study highlights the potential of innovative methodologies, such as onomastic analysis and digital approaches, for surveying minority groups within predominantly non-religious populations. The findings underscore the importance of adopting tailored methods to engage diverse communities and provide actionable insights into their experiences.

Future research should address the identified challenges, such as improving eligibility criteria and ensuring a more balanced representation of education levels. These steps will enhance the robustness and applicability of findings in similar studies worldwide.

By advancing survey techniques and integrating new technologies, this study offers valuable contributions to the field of social research and fosters a deeper understanding of the Muslim population in the Netherlands.