Exploring variables underlying non‐response in a survey of nurses and nurses' aides in practice

Abstract

This paper demonstrates that distinguishing between the different sources of unit response failure (i.e. refusals and non-contact) in survey research is methodologically important since minimizing non-contact and refusals requires different approaches. The findings of an interview survey show that unit response failure can be contained successfully through careful study design and management. The potential value of using resampling (i.e. obtaining some information from non-respondents) for identifying: (i) which direction, if any, the data from respondents are biased and; (ii) influencing variables on the incidence of non-response is also demonstrated.

Quality of life following emergency liver transplantation for acute liver failure

“…χ 2 analysis additionally demonstrated that gender bears no significance between responders and non‐responders (χ 2 = 1·31, p = 0·28). These results are corroborated by Barriball and While (1999).…”

A pilot study of research utilization practices and critical thinking dispositions of Alberta dental hygienists

“…Response rates with the original questionnaires and this study protocol were higher in studies with nurses. The literature on non‐response suggests that responses to surveys are influenced by the respondents’ interest or experience with the subject under investigation (34). As RU is a relatively unfamiliar phenomenon in the dental hygiene literature compared with the nursing literature, the inconsistent and unfamiliar measurement scales may have combined to increase the cognitive load and subsequently led to lower responses.…”

Categorizing the Magnitude and Frequency of Exposure to Uncivil Behaviors: A New Approach for More Meaningful Interventions

“…While response rates for online, web-based surveys vary, according to Porter and Whitcomb (2003), low survey response rates have led to the common practice of using survey data with response rates of less than 50%. In the current study, a number of evidence-based techniques (Barriball & White, 1999;Dillman, Smyth, & Christian, 2009;Miller & Smith, 1983) were employed to reduce response bias. These techniques included (a) notifying individuals via flyer before the survey was launched, (b) ordering survey questions so that questions of interest were placed before demographic data requests, (c) including a survey statement informing participants of the importance of the survey and its results, and (d) sending weekly reminders to complete the survey during the 3-week window of opportunity.…”