Unexpected effects of a prior feedback letter and a professional layout on the response rate to a mail survey in Geneva

摘要

Obtaining high response rates in mail surveys is always a challenge. Several methods have been proposed to increase response. Sending partici- pants a letter a few days before the question- naire was effective in some studies but had a negative impact in another. Giving special attention to the questionnaire layout was also effective, although the effect was not always very important. We tested whether a prior feedback letter and an attractive questionnaire layout increased the response rate to a postal health survey conducted in Geneva, Switzer- land, in 1994.