Response Rates and Perceived Questionnaire Length in Mail Surveys

1979 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 429-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry L. Childers ◽  
O. C. Ferrell
Keyword(s):  
Interaction Effect ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Survey Response ◽  
Factorial Experiment ◽  
Mail Surveys ◽  
Survey Response Rate ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

A 2 × 2 factorial experiment was designed to test the impact on mail survey response rate resulting from variations in paper trim size and number of printed pages in the questionnaire. ANOVA findings suggest 8½ × 11″ paper trim size produces a better response rate than an 8½ × 14″ paper trim size. Use of a one-sheet (front and back) versus a two-sheet (front only) questionnaire did not cause a significant difference in response rate; a hypothesized interaction effect was not found to be statistically significant.

Mail Survey Response Rate and Bias: The Effect of Home versus Work Address

1977 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 383-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. Mcginnis ◽  
Charles J. Hollon
Keyword(s):  
Response Rate ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Survey Response ◽  
Questionnaire Item ◽  
Survey Response Rate ◽  
Professional Employees ◽  
At Home

A study was undertaken to ascertain whether the response rate and responses of a group of technically trained professional employees differed between those who received the questionnaire at work and those who received it at home. Response rates were found to be independent of address, and the frequency of questionnaire item significance was not significantly different from chance.

Improving Survey Response Rates with Visible Money

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 821-831
Author(s):  
Matthew Debell ◽  
Natalya Maisel ◽  
Brad Edwards ◽  
Michelle Amsbary ◽  
Vanessa Meldener
Keyword(s):  
Representative Sample ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Survey Response ◽  
Research Note ◽  
Significant Cost ◽  
Mail Surveys ◽  
Nationally Representative

Abstract In mail surveys and in advance letters for surveys in other modes, it is common to include a prepaid incentive of a small amount such as $5. However, when letters are addressed generically (such as to “Resident”), advance letters may be thrown away without being opened, so the enclosed cash is wasted and the invitation or advance letter is ineffective. This research note describes results of an experiment using a nationally representative sample of 4,725 residential addresses to test a new way of letting mail recipients know their letter contains cash and is therefore worth opening: an envelope with a window revealing $5, so the cash is clearly visible from outside the sealed envelope. We also tested the USPS for evidence of theft, and we compared First Class and Priority Mail postage. We found no evidence of theft. We found no difference in response rates between Priority Mail and First Class, making First Class much more cost-effective, and we found that visible money increased the response rate to a mail survey from 42.6 to 46.9 percent, at no significant cost.

Effectiveness of “Begging” as a Persuasive Tactic for Improving Response Rate on a Client/Agency Mail Survey

1996 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 204-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael L. Maynard
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Mail Surveys ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Job Function

This experimental study tested the assumption that ingratiation through the researcher's frank request for compliance yields higher response rates to mail surveys. The hypothesis was tested by inserting a cartoon of the researcher “begging” the recipient within the treatment group to respond. Results suggest that begging achieved a reduction in nonresponse within the treatment group ( n = 116). Also, begging made no significant difference along the dimensions of job function, gender, or seniority.

A $2 Bill or Two $1 Bills: An Experiment that Challenges Standard Protocol

Field Methods ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 230-240
Author(s):  
Sarah Mills
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Difference ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Survey Response ◽  
The Other ◽  
Standard Protocol ◽  
Survey Response Rate ◽  
Survey Participation ◽  
To Receive

The $2 bill is commonly used as a prepaid incentive in survey administration. Despite the widespread use of this incentive, there is no peer-reviewed research into how providing a single $2 bill rather than two $1 bills affects survey response rate. The results are from a mail survey of 2,970 rural landowners in Michigan with identical survey protocols. Half were randomly assigned to receive a single $2 bill and the other half to receive two $1 bills accompanying the questionnaire. I found no statistical difference in the response rates of the two groups. While there may be logistical advantages to using a single $2 bill compared to two $1 bills, this research suggests that the $2 bill is not more effective at inducing survey participation.

The noneffect of three variables on mail survey response rate.

1973 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 147-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank J. Landy ◽  
Frederick Bates
Keyword(s):  
Response Rate ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Survey Response ◽  
Survey Response Rate

Tone of Postcards in Increasing Survey Response Rates

2004 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 444-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
James H. Price ◽  
Faith Yingling ◽  
Eileen Walsh ◽  
Judy Murnan ◽  
Joseph A. Dake
Keyword(s):  
Elementary School ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Survey Response ◽  
Third Wave ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Mail Surveys ◽  
The Third ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Second Wave

This study assessed differences in response rates to a series of three-wave mail surveys when amiable or insistently worded postcards were the third wave of the mailing. Three studies were conducted; one with a sample of 600 health commissioners, one with a sample of 680 vascular nurses, and one with 600 elementary school secretaries. The combined response rates for the first and second wave mailings were 65.8%, 67.6%, and 62.4%, respectively. A total of 308 amiable and 308 insistent postcards were sent randomly to nonrespondents as the third wave mailing. Overall, there were 41 amiable and 52 insistent postcards returned, not significantly different by chi-square test. However, a separate chi-square test for one of the three studies, the nurses' study, did find a significant difference in favor of the insistently worded postcards.

Influence of Paper Color and a Monetary Incentive on Response Rate

2004 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 432-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith A. King ◽  
Jennifer L. Vaughan
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Monetary Incentive ◽  
Survey Response ◽  
Green Paper ◽  
Survey Response Rate

This study examined whether survey response rate differed based on the color of the paper the survey was printed on (blue vs green) and presence of a monetary incentive. A 4-page survey on eating disorders was mailed to Division 1A and 1AA college head athletic trainers ( N = 223) with half of the surveys on blue paper and half on green paper. Half of the athletic trainers ( n = 111) received a $1.00 monetary incentive, and half ( n = 112) received no monetary incentive. A total of 166 (71%) athletic trainers returned completed surveys. Response rates did not differ based on survey color but did differ based on presence of a monetary incentive. Athletic trainers who received a monetary incentive were significantly more likely than those who did not to return completed surveys (86% vs 63%, respectively).

scholarly journals Response Pressure And Uninformed Responses To Factual Survey Questions

2011 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 146
Author(s):  
Kenneth C. Schneider ◽  
James C. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Response Rate ◽  
Survey Response ◽  
Survey Response Rate ◽  
Survey Questions ◽  
Response Pressure ◽  
The Impact

This article examines the impact of follow-up techniques (designed to increase the survey response rate) on uninformed responses to factual survey questions. Such questions of fact can be used as filters to measures a respondents base of information, knowledge or experience on a topic prior to measuring his/her opinions on that topic, but only if uninformed responses are less likely to be given to the factual filter questions than to the opinion/attitude questions. Previous research suggests that response pressure (including follow-up contact) tends to exacerbate the uninformed response rate to opinion or attitude questions. However, the research reported here suggests that is not so with factual questions; follow-up contract does not result in increased levels of uninformed response to questions of fact.

More on Self-Perception Theory's Foot Technique in the Pre-Call/Mail Survey Setting

1980 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 498-502 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris T. Allen ◽  
Charles D. Schewe ◽  
Gösta Wijk
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiment ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Survey Response ◽  
The Self ◽  
Academic Researcher ◽  
Self Perception ◽  
Perception Theory

A field experiment conducted in Sweden compared the effectiveness of two types of telephone pre-calls in influencing response rates in a mail survey. Response rates for a questioning foot-in-the-door manipulation were evaluated against responses produced by a simple solicitation call and a blind mailing control. The results demonstrate that pre-calling in general enhances response rate. However, the results furnish, at best, qualified support for a self-perception theory prediction. Alternative explanations for the lack of the self-perception foot effect are offered. Conclusions are drawn for the practitioner and academic researcher.

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