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Related Concept Videos

Surveys02:16

Surveys

Often, psychologists develop surveys as a means of gathering data. Surveys are lists of questions to be answered by research participants, and can be delivered as paper-and-pencil questionnaires, administered electronically, or conducted verbally. Generally, the survey itself can be completed in a short time, and the ease of administering a survey makes it easy to collect data from a large number of people.
Types of Surveys01:27

Types of Surveys

Surveys are essential for marking property boundaries near water bodies. Different types of surveys are defined, each with its own function. Land surveys mark the property boundaries, while route surveys determine the position of properties on nearby highways. Topographic surveys create maps by capturing the three-dimensional features of the land. Hydrographic surveys focus on the shapes of underwater areas and the movement of streams through the properties. Mine surveys determine the relative...
Correspondence Bias01:17

Correspondence Bias

Correspondence bias, also referred to as the fundamental attribution error, describes the tendency to attribute another person’s behavior to internal characteristics rather than situational influences. This cognitive bias leads individuals to overlook external factors that may be influencing actions, thereby fostering potentially inaccurate assessments of others’ intentions and dispositions.Empirical Evidence for Correspondence BiasResearch has consistently demonstrated the prevalence of...
Data Collection by Survey01:07

Data Collection by Survey

The systematic method of obtaining and analyzing accurate information of a population is called data collection. A survey is a standard method of data collection that involves collecting information from a target human population about their experience, opinion, or knowledge of a product, service, or process. The responses are recorded and interpreted. The most common survey examples are written questionnaires, face-to-face or telephonic conversations, focus groups, and electronic (e-mail or...
Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks Test for Median of Single Population01:14

Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks Test for Median of Single Population

The Wilcoxon signed-rank test for the median of a single population is a nonparametric test used to evaluate whether the median of a population differs from a specified value. Unlike parametric tests, it does not require data to follow a normal distribution, making it suitable for non-normal or small samples. The test begins by calculating the difference (d) between each observation and the hypothesized median. The absolute values of these differences are ranked in ascending order, with ties...
Survey Safety01:28

Survey Safety

Surveying near highways, rough terrain, or power lines involves significant risks. Working along highways is particularly dangerous and requires the use of warning signs and flagmen. It is safest to avoid working directly on roads and use offsets whenever possible. When highway work is unavoidable, it must follow all safety guidelines. Surveyors should wear bright clothing, such as orange reflective vests, to ensure visibility to motorists, coworkers, and hunters. In construction zones, wearing...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Qualitative and Quantitative Validation of Tools with Rating Scales Aimed at Assessing the Quality of University Service-Learning
10:39

Qualitative and Quantitative Validation of Tools with Rating Scales Aimed at Assessing the Quality of University Service-Learning

Published on: August 29, 2025

Survey return rates for multiple-authored versus single-authored covering letters.

James H Price1, Jagdish Khubchandani, Michele Bryant

  • 1Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, USA.

Psychological Reports
|October 7, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Response rates to mail surveys are similar whether covering letters are signed by one or three researchers. This study found no significant difference in survey return rates based on the number of signatures, impacting survey methodology research.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Qualitative and Quantitative Validation of Tools with Rating Scales Aimed at Assessing the Quality of University Service-Learning
10:39

Qualitative and Quantitative Validation of Tools with Rating Scales Aimed at Assessing the Quality of University Service-Learning

Published on: August 29, 2025

Area of Science:

  • Social Sciences
  • Survey Methodology
  • Research Methods

Background:

  • Optimizing survey response rates is crucial for data validity.
  • The impact of researcher endorsement on participant engagement is an area of interest.
  • Previous research has explored various factors influencing mail survey participation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if the number of signatures on a mail survey's covering letter affects response rates.
  • To compare the effectiveness of single versus multiple researcher endorsements in eliciting survey participation.
  • To provide insights into best practices for maximizing mail survey return rates.

Main Methods:

  • A three-wave mail survey was conducted with two conditions: covering letters signed by one researcher and by three researchers.
  • A total of 750 surveys were distributed (375 per condition).
  • Follow-up mailings were employed to enhance the overall response rate.

Main Results:

  • The condition with one researcher signature yielded a response rate of 58.7% (218 out of 375).
  • The condition with three researcher signatures resulted in a response rate of 53.5% (199 out of 375).
  • The difference in response rates between the two conditions was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

  • The number of researchers signing a mail survey's covering letter does not appear to significantly influence response rates.
  • Survey methodology can be streamlined by not requiring multiple signatures for increased participation.
  • Further research could explore other factors like perceived authority or anonymity.