Non-response in survey research: a methodological discussion and development of an explanatory model

This paper demonstrates that the different sources of non-response in survey research must be considered by researchers in order to minimize the potential for bias, and that careful planning and management during sample selection, sample recruitment and data collection can control the extent of response failure. The findings of an interview survey of nurses and nurses' aides illustrate, however, that the success of strategies designed to reduce the loss of data in survey research depends upon researchers acknowledging the complex relationships that exist between non-response phenomena throughout the research process.