Identifying predictors of survey mode preference

Abstract

To increase the likelihood of response, many survey organizations attempt to provide sample members with a mode they are thought to prefer. Mode assignment is typically based on conventional wisdom or results from mode choice studies that presented only limited options. In this paper we draw heavily on research and theory from the mode effects and the survey participation literatures to develop a framework for understanding what characteristics should predict mode preferences. We then test these characteristics using data from two different surveys. We find that measures of familiarity with and access to a mode are the strongest predictors of mode preference and measures of safety concerns, physical abilities, and normative concerns are unexpectedly weak predictors. Our findings suggest that variables that may exist on sample frames can be used to inform the assignment of "preferred" modes to sample members.

Conducting surveys with multidisciplinary health care providers: Current challenges and creative approaches to sampling, recruitment, and data collection

“…Others have also reported that health professionals prefer mailed surveys (Burke & Hodgins, 2015;Pit, Vo, & Pyakurel, 2014). This preference is not unexpected as many HCPs may be older and age has been associated with survey mode preferences (Smyth, Olson, & Millar, 2014). Preferences may also vary by region.…”

Dental School Patient Preferences for Receiving and Returning Patient Satisfaction Surveys

“…[20][21][22][23] However, in other studies, telephone or mailed surveys garnered more responses than web-based versions, and age was not related to the diferent response rates. 19 By contrast, other research found that U.S. households earning less than $50,000 per year were signiicantly less likely than those with higher income levels to use the Internet. Similarly, Smyth et al found that income level was not related to preferences to receive surveys by mail, telephone, or Internet when income was considered simultaneously with other variables.…”

“…19 In some other health studies, response to Internet-based surveys was higher among younger respondents. 19 In some other health studies, response to Internet-based surveys was higher among younger respondents.…”

“…Of these, 101 (48.1%) were returned. Among the returned surveys, 62.4% (N=63) were completed by patients, 19.8% (N=20) were from parents, and 17.8% (N=18) were from caregivers ( Table 4). Half (50.5%) of the participating patients were women.…”

“…Similarly, Smyth et al found that income level was not related to preferences to receive surveys by mail, telephone, or Internet when income was considered simultaneously with other variables. 19 Similarly, Finkelstein et al found that familiarity with SMS reminders and email reminders was strongly related to patients' perceived efectiveness of and likely responsiveness to receiving such reminders themselves. 15 One variable that may help to account for the difering completion and preference results described in these studies is the degree to which the respondent was familiar with the Internet.…”