MAIL SURVEY RESPONSE RATE: A META-ANALYSIS OF SELECTED TECHNIQUES FOR INDUCING RESPONSE

This article reports the results of a meta-analysis of experimentalstudies which have examined ten different factors felt to influenceresponse rates to mail surveys. The form of meta-analysis usedclearly defines the individual impact of each of the factorsexamined. Results indicate that prenotification and follow-upsincrease the response rate, as does the type of outgoing postageused. Furthermore, studies sponsored by a university receivegreater returns. Increases in the size of the monetary incentiveused appear to have decreasing marginal gains. Finally, someevidence exists to suggest that the color of the questionnaireinfluences response rate.