Information for Participants of the Survey

Should you have browsed our website, as you were called from us the last few days, you will find more detailed information on this survey in the FAQ below. If you do not want to receive phone calls from us, please either send us an e-mail via umfrage@fu-berlin.de or please call us via 030-700-141044. Please do not forget to mention your phone number in this context. Otherwise, we will not be able to allocate your wish not to be called. Thank you very much!

“What is the issue of the survey?”

It is our objective to obtain a representative overview of the political communication and participation in Germany. In detail, we would like to find out, how citizens inform themselves of political topics, how and where they discuss those topics and under which conditions they become active in the political field. The survey particularly focuses on the role of the internet and social media.

“Why exactly have I been chosen for the call?”

We exclusively use randomly generated phone numbers. Therefore, our call has been a mere coincidence. Indeed, this randomness is important, as we would like to give representative statements on the German-speaking population in Germany – and this is only possible, if those persons, who we call for an interview, have been randomly selected. In order to be interviewed from us, it finally does not matter, if you are politically interested or well versed in politics. All persons are equally important for us. Otherwise, this survey would not be representative.

“Where did you get my phone number from?”

All phone numbers that we call during the survey have been randomly put together. Neither the numbers appear in a phone book or other lists or databases, nor have they been bought from third-party suppliers. Thus, we do not know anything about you - neither your name, nor your address, nor anything else. Your anonymity is guaranteed.

“What happens with my data?”

Data security is important to us. All your details will be treated as strictly confidential and are safely stored. All data are pseudonymized and aggregated, assembled and statistically evaluated. Thus, the results that we will report on in scientific publications and to the expert audience do not allow any conclusions about an individual person. Your data will not be forwarded to other persons or institutions for research purposes. Only researchers involved in the project will have access to the data given. Further information on data security regarding the project can be found here (PDF, in German language).

“Is it possible to read about the results of the study?”

It is expected to publish the results in mid-2020. As soon as the data have been evaluated, we will provide more information on our website. All interviewees have the opportunity to leave an e-mail address at the end of the survey. Via your e-mail address we could inform you as soon as the results have been published.