Title

Survey return rate as a function of personalization of cover letters and monetary incentives

Abstract

Many studies have been conducted in an attempt to increase the return rate of mail surveys. A variety of techniques have been used, including varying the type of cover letter, varying styles of postage, and sending follow-up letters (Dodd & Boswell, 1988; Elkind, Tryon, & DeVito, 1986; Kephart & Bressler, 1958). Most techniques have had no consistent effect on the rate of return. The only studies which have conclusively raised the return rates of mail surveys are those which included a monetary incentive (Armstrong, 1975; Wortruba, 1966). The following study attempted to increase survey return rates through the use of personalization of survey cover letters and monetary incentives. Five hundred twenty-two surveys were sent to Psychology graduates from a medium-sized university to gain information on their opinions about the undergraduate Psychology program. Although personalization of cover letters did not affect the return rate, including a monetary incentive did. The group receiving no money had a return rate of 23%, those receiving 25 cents had a return rate of 32%, and the group that received $1.00 had a return rate of 47%. The increased return rates were statistically significant, with 25 cents bringing more returns than no money, and $1.00 encouraging returns more than 25 cents. Because of the high costs of including a monetary incentive, it can be determined that the cost effectiveness depends on the desired rate of survey returns.

Notes

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Graduation Date

1990

Semester

Fall

Advisor

Abbott, David W.

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Format

PDF

Pages

42 p.

Language

English

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Identifier

DP0027755

Subjects

Arts and Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic; Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Sciences

Accessibility Status

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