Culturally sensitive research methods of surveying rural/frontier residents

This article describes adaptations to conventional survey research methods based on knowledge of and respect for characteristics and qualities of rural communities and rural culture. These culturally sensitive methods may have contributed to a high response rate in a population-based study of frontier residents conducted in one western state in the United States. Through these methods, residents' interests in the study was heightened and the study's visibility was increased. Adaptations were also necessary to compensate for shortcomings in the available sample frame for the rural population of interest. References on survey research by mail provide standards for generally accepted procedures but offer few guidelines for tailoring these approaches for varying cultures. Approaches based on the local culture of the persons to be surveyed can increase response rates as well as demonstrate respect for the culture of intended study participants.