Effect of a post-paid incentive on response rates to a web-based survey

Abstract

We randomized half of the sample from two southern California medical centers to a post-paid incentive (n = 1,795) and half to no incentive (n = 1,797) for completing a web-based survey about their experiences with health care. Respondents in the incentive group were given the choice between a $5 cash or Target® e-certificate. The characteristics of respondents in the incentive and control groups was similar on age, education, length of membership in the plan, number of emails sent and visits to the primary care doctor in the 12 months prior to sampling, and their global rating of the doctor; the incentive group had more Asians (8% vs. 5%, χ 2 (1 df) = 7.92, p = 0.005) and fewer Blacks/African Americans (2% vs. 4%, χ 2 (1 df) = 11.0, p =0.001) than the no incentive group. Those randomized to the incentive were significantly more likely to respond to the survey than those in the control group (57% vs. 50%, t (df = 3590) = 4.06, p <0.0001). Item non response rates were similar for those in the incentive and the control groups. Those randomized to the incentive condition who completed the survey were more likely to prefer a cash incentive over the e-certificate (69% of the incentives delivered to web respondents were in the form of cash). The unit cost per incentive was $8.32 for cash and $7.49 for the e-certificate. The results of this experiment indicate that a post-paid incentive can significantly increase the response rate to a web-based survey.

Testing a motivational model of delivery modality and incentives on participation in a brief alcohol intervention

“…In this way, the research community where studies are implemented is disconnected from the context in which the interventions will eventually be implemented. Previous research has found that incentives increase response rates for surveys (Brown et al, 2016; DeCamp & Manierre, 2016; Edwards et al, 2002; Göritz, 2010), but these results strictly apply to research studies. Empirical support for intervention strategies is often based on controlled studies which have recruited participants using monetary or other incentives.…”

Use of Internet panels to conduct surveys

“…There is more that needs to be learned about the strengths and disadvantages of probability-based and convenience internet panels as well as the use of web-based data collection in general (Bergeson, Laibson, Ehrmontraut, & Hays, 2013; Brown, Serrato, Hugh, Kanter, & Hays, submitted). There are also future opportunities to evaluate data collected using mobile devices and social media platforms.…”

Evaluating the Impact of Incentives on Clinical Trial Participation: Protocol for a Mixed Methods, Community-Engaged Study

“…Providing incentives, which are defined as “payment[s] (including money, gifts, and services) to research volunteers for participation in studies” [ 1 ], is a widely accepted and common practice in HIV clinical research [ 2 - 6 ]. Although some research suggests that altruism is a primary motivation for research participation [ 3 , 5 , 6 ], incentives are typically necessary for ensuring sufficient participant enrollment in research [ 7 - 9 ], including high-risk trials and other studies that may result in negative health outcomes for participants [ 10 , 11 ]. Although it is known that the incentives provided among similar studies can vary greatly [ 9 , 12 ], little research exists on the factors that are considered important for determining appropriate incentives.…”