UNDERSTANDING MAIL SURVEY RESPONSE BEHAVIOR

Abstract

Abstract A meta-analysis of prior studies of techniques de-signed to induce mail survey response rates was conducted. Re-search encompassing 184 effects (study outcomes) in 115 studies (articles) for 17 predictors of response rate was examined. The average effect size across all manipulations was r =.065, indicat-ing an average increase of about 6.5 percent in response rates for manipulations. Effect sizes for specific predictors and two potential moderators of effects were examined. Results indicated that repeated contacts in the form of preliminary notification and follow-ups, appeals, inclusion of a return envelope, postage, and monetary incentives, were effective in increasing survey re-sponse rates. Significant effect sizes for the predictors ranged from an increase in response of 2 percent to 31 percent. Implica-tions of the results for the conduct of mail surveys and future research on mail survey response behavior are discussed. Researchers have amassed myriad techniques to stimulate mail survey response rates, reduce item omission, speed up response, and reduce response bias. Examples include the use of preliminary notification, follow-up, sponsorship, appeals, postage, personalization, incentives, anonymity, prior commitment, and techniques affecting questionnaire Correspondence regarding this article should be addressed to FRANCIS I. YAMMARINO,

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