Methods to increase response to postal and electronic questionnaires

Edwards, Phil; Roberts, Ian; Clarke, Mike; DiGuiseppi, Carolyn; Wentz, Reinhard; Kwan, Irene; Cooper, Rachel; Felix, Lambert; Pratap, Sarah

doi:10.1002/14651858.mr000008.pub4

Cited by 1,151 publications

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References 437 publications

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“…Previous meta‐analyses have identified small monetary incentives and shortening the length of questionnaires to be cost‐effective methods for increasing response rates (Edwards et al ., 2009; Singer & Ye, 2013). However, research is yet to draw any clear conclusion about the combined influence of monetary incentives, questionnaire length, and individual differences on survey response.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Contrary to previous findings, the current study found that questionnaire length did not influence response rates (Edwards et al ., 2009). It is possible that the two lengths of questionnaire used in the current study (four pages vs. seven pages) did not differ enough to produce a significant difference in response.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Edwards et al . 's (2009) review also found that a bigger monetary incentive was more effective, OR = 1.26 (CI 1.14–1.39). However, the shape and strength of the relationship between incentive size and response is less clear, from the review with some studies demonstrating a positive correlation (Trussell & Lavrakas, 2004) and others not finding any significant correlation (Chan et al ., 2003; VanGeest et al ., 2001).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

“…However, the shape and strength of the relationship between incentive size and response is less clear, from the review with some studies demonstrating a positive correlation (Trussell & Lavrakas, 2004) and others not finding any significant correlation (Chan et al ., 2003; VanGeest et al ., 2001). Shortening the questionnaire length has also been shown to be effective in increasing response (Edwards et al ., 2009; Singer & Ye, 2013). …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, most studies looking at the effectiveness of inclusion in a prize draw on response have found this type of incentive to be no more effective than receiving no incentive (Edwards et al ., 2009). However, the effectiveness of prize draw incentives may be mediated by participant characteristics (Drummond, O'Leary, O'Neill, Burns, & Sharp, 2014; Spry et al ., 1989).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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What impact do questionnaire length and monetary incentives have on mailed health psychology survey response?

Robb

Gatting

Wardle³

2017

British J Health Psychol

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ObjectivesResponse rates to health‐related surveys are declining. This study tested two strategies to improve the response rate to a health psychology survey mailed through English general practices: (1) sending a shortened questionnaire and (2) offering a monetary incentive to return a completed questionnaire.DesignRandomized controlled trial.MethodsAdults (n = 4,241) aged 45–59 years, from four General Practices in South‐East England, were mailed a survey on attitudes towards bowel cancer screening. Using a 2 × 4 factorial design, participants were randomized to receive a ‘short’ (four A4 pages) or a ‘long’ (seven A4 pages) questionnaire, and one of four monetary incentives to return a completed questionnaire – (1) no monetary incentive, (2) £2.50 shop voucher, (3) £5.00 shop voucher, and (4) inclusion in a £250 shop voucher prize draw. Age, gender, and area‐level deprivation were obtained from the General Practices.ResultsThe overall response rate was 41% (n = 1,589). Response to the ‘short’ questionnaire (42%) was not significantly different from the ‘long’ questionnaire (40%). The £2.50 incentive (43%) significantly improved response rates in univariate analyses, and remained significant after controlling for age, gender, area‐level deprivation, and questionnaire length. The £5.00 (42%) and £250 prize draw (41%) incentives had no significant impact on response rates compared to no incentive (38%).ConclusionsA small monetary incentive (£2.50) may slightly increase response to a mailed health psychology survey. The length of the questionnaire (four pages vs. seven pages) did not influence response. Although frequently used, entry into a prize draw did not increase response. Achieving representative samples remains a challenge for health psychology. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject Response rates to mailed questionnaires continue to decline, threatening the representativeness of data.Prize draw incentives are frequently used but there is little evidence to support their efficacy.Research on interactions between incentives, questionnaire length, and demographics is lacking. What does this study add Contrary to previous findings, questionnaire length did not influence response rate.A £2.50 incentive increased response, while incentives of £5.00 and a £250 prize draw did not.Achieving representative samples to questionnaires remains a challenge for health psychology.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

What impact do questionnaire length and monetary incentives have on mailed health psychology survey response?

Robb

Gatting

Wardle³

2017

British J Health Psychol

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Questionnaires vs Interviews for the Assessment of Global Functional Outcomes After Traumatic Brain Injury

et al. 2021

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IMPORTANCE An interview is considered the gold standard method of assessing global functional outcomes in clinical trials among patients with acute traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, several multicenter clinical trials have used questionnaires completed by a patient or caregiver to assess the primary end point. OBJECTIVETo examine agreement between interview and questionnaire formats for assessing TBI outcomes and to consider whether an interview has advantages.

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Risk and Protective Factors for Falls From Furniture in Young Children

et al. 2015

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If estimated associations are causal, some falls from furniture may be prevented by incorporating advice into child health contacts, personal child health records, and home safety assessments about use of safety gates; not leaving children, changing diapers, or putting children in car/bouncing seats on raised surfaces; allowing children to play or climb on furniture; and teaching children safety rules about climbing on objects.

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Methods to increase response to postal and electronic questionnaires

Cited by 1,151 publications

References 437 publications

What impact do questionnaire length and monetary incentives have on mailed health psychology survey response?

What impact do questionnaire length and monetary incentives have on mailed health psychology survey response?

Questionnaires vs Interviews for the Assessment of Global Functional Outcomes After Traumatic Brain Injury

Risk and Protective Factors for Falls From Furniture in Young Children

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