Incentives have shown a variable effect in improving survey response rates, but the effect of a pen from an organization to which the respondent has loyalty has not been studied. Recent college graduates were randomized to receive or not receive a college logo pen accompanying an initial survey mailing. Among 119 total respondents, there were no…

Social science research is increasingly considering place when examining social programs and policies with a spatial component. A specific research challenge involving spatial policies is how to select a sample of individuals based on their geographic locations. This article illustrates the use of geographic information systems, tax parcels, and…

Results and implications of offering a national sample of 2,451 primary care physicians the option to complete a questionnaire by mail or phone are discussed. Overall cooperation of 62.7% was achieved, with 55% using telephone interviews. Differences across physician specialties are discussed. (SLD)

Three questionnaire mailings to 1,535 physicians that produced 977 responses were analyzed. The only variable significantly different across the mailings was medical specialty. This finding indicates that the more homogeneous the group the greater the response rate. Issues of nonresponse bias and insufficient sample size are discussed. (TJH)

Given the weaker ties to community as noted by scholars such as Robert Putnam, survey researchers should not be surprised by a decline in survey participation over the past 10 years. This research analyzes the use of incentives coupled with introductory themes emphasizing cooperation and helpfulness--cooperative norms in American society--to…

Studied how multiple methods of follow-up can enhance the rate of response to mail questionnaires. The initial sample of 1,505 adults was contacted by mail for a health behavior survey. Follow-ups by mail and telephone resulted in an 89% response rate and demonstrated the efficacy of the follow-up methods. (SLD)

Developed and evaluated a mail survey measuring population attitudes toward substance use and potential receptivity of communities to different prevention efforts. Developed through a literature review, consultation with practitioners and experts, and focus groups, the survey was administered to about 3,000 adults from 30 participating…

A pilot study involving 90 percent of the parents of 200 seventh graders attending two junior high schools evaluated the effectiveness of active versus passive methods of obtaining parental consent. Passive consent can provide a viable alternative to active consent when supplemented by appropriate backup and privacy safeguards. (TJH)

This study assessed the nature of response bias in a two-stage data-collection design (telephone interviews followed by a questionnaire mailing), which was used to examine the effectiveness of a state-level pharmaceutical assistance program for the elderly. Demographic and health factors affecting response (N=1,705 elderly persons) are discussed.…