Improving postal questionnaire response rates

Abstract

IntroductionMaximising returns for a quantitative study is an important part of a successful piece of research. Where postal returns are required this can be problematic and where the target population is spread across a wide geographical area, even more so. This paper looks at how to increase the level of responses for a national postal questionnaire aimed at SME retailers following a poor response to a pilot postal questionnaire. This paper reports on an extensive piece of research undertaken recently where a pilot sent out to a limited number of the target population received a mere 10.5% return. Such response rates are not that uncommon, however in this study there was a low overall target population of potential respondents and the chosen target group were in disparate geographic locations. This low response to the pilot spelt a serious problem for the success of the research given that with this level of responses across the board there would be insufficient data to undertake rigorous statistical testing. Following a review of literature relating to increasing postal returns, a number of elements were identified and implemented in an attempt to increase the level of completed questionnaires received. This paper considers and identifies the methods appropriate to social science research relating to both: the ways and means of making the returning of a questionnaire more attractive to respondents; and a process to follow to ensure the highest rate of return.This paper looks at practical ways in which the problems of a low response rate to a postal questionnaire was addressed. The paper examines the methods that are available and some of the implications of using these when attempting to increase the levels of responses that are forthcoming. The methods adopted in this instance to increase the response rates relate to; a lottery prize incentive, coloured paper and the use of multiple stamps. These methods are examined in detail and the implications of their use analysed in relation to the success of the increased response rate.

Factors affecting the perception of recovery quality in horses after anaesthesia

“…This may have resulted from a failure to be convinced of the project's relevance (despite an explanatory cover letter that accompanied the questionnaire) or unwillingness to meet the time commitment that they were advised would approximate 2 h. Three invited horse owners returned uncompleted forms apologising for being unable to complete the evaluation ‘ because they knew nothing about the subject ’. However, the overall response rate of 35% was regarded as unexpectedly high given the considerable time commitment being requested, and because postal questionnaires with response rates <40% are commonly reported and may be as low as 10.5% . A reminder was sent to nonrespondents 2 months after the DVDs and questionnaires were first despatched but no further attempt to contact evaluators was made mainly because of expense and an assumption that a nonresponse reflected disinterest.…”