Response to Mail Questionnaires by Health Professionals¹

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Maguire, Bryan T.^a

Affiliations: [a] Department of Psychology, University of Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DG, UK; Tel.: +44 248 351151, ext. 2623; Fax: +44 248 364412

Note: [1] This paper was originally prepared in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the Graduate Program Health Psychology at the University of California, San Francisco. Thanks to Dr. George Stone, Dr. Barbara Gerbert and Dr. Nancy Adler for their comments on earlier drafts.

Abstract: Mail questionnaires are widely used by researchers interested in a variety behavioural and psychological attributes of health professionals. A central concern surrounding this method of data collection is the response rate and its effect on the accuracy of the data obtained. Several studies are reviewed which suggest that low response rates may not necessarily imply biased data. Nevertheless high response rates are desirable and a variety of techniques to stimulate response have been proposed and tested. Those which personalise the invitation to respond and convey the importance of the research project whether through financial inducements or endorsements have been found effective. The most important strategy in most circumstances though is the use of repeat mailings.

DOI: 10.3233/JEM-1991-17203

Journal: Journal of Economic and Social Measurement, vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 87-99, 1991