Follow-up Strategies in a Mail Survey: Effect on Return Rate and Response Bias.

摘要

The present study was designed (1) to assess the effects of various follow-up techniques on the return rate and response bias of demographic and attitudinal measurements, and (2) to explore the possibility that reaction to extensive follow-ups biases the responses from initially uncooperative selectees. Approximately 1500 Navy and Marine Corps personnel from San Diego were mailed the DoD Family Housing Preference Survey and were assigned to 10 follow-up groups. Eight of the groups formed a completely crossed 2 x 2 x 2 design, defining the follow-up by type of mail, type of material, and number of follow-ups. Two additional groups were formed, one receiving no follow-up and the other receiving extensive follow-up. Both return rate and response bias on 12 attitudinal and demographic variables were studied. The results in this study indicate that some type of follow-up procedure results in greater return rates than no follow-up. Response bias was found in some variables. (Author)