Exploring the Impact of E-mail and Postcard Prenotification on Response Rates to a Mail Survey in an Academic Setting

Abstract

What techniques effectively and consistently impact response rates to a mail survey? No clear answer to this question exists, largely because variability in response rates occurs depending on the population of interest, questionnaire type, and procedures used by researchers. This article examines the impact of e-mail and postcard prenotification on response rates to a mail survey by using a population of university full-time faculty and staff. Comparisons were made among respondents who received a postcard prenotification, those who received an e-mail prenotification, and those who received no prenotification prior to the initial mailing of a questionnaire. Data show that e-mail prenotification had the largest impact on response rate, while postcard prenotification had the least impact. In addition, the use of e-mail prenotification reduced overall project costs (both time and money). We suggest that the uses and applicability of e-mail prenotification be further explored to examine both its initial and overall impact on response rate in populations utilizing an electronic environment.

Does advance contact with research participants increase response to questionnaires: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

“… health 2 weeks mail phone none stated Lusinchi 2007 [ 91 ] Pre-contact or control first and final follow-up Randomised control trail. electrical engineers (USA) under a week email online none stated McCallister 2008 [ 92 ] X2 types Pre-contact or control first and final follow-up Randomised control trail. university staff (USA) under a week post or email mail none stated Miner 1983 [ 93 ] X2 types Pre-contact or control final follow-up Randomised control trail.…”