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Does anonymity increase response rate in postal questionnaire surveys about sensitive subjects? A randomised trial
1University of Southampton, United Kingdom.
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Complete anonymity did not improve postal questionnaire response rates. However, sending reminders significantly increased the response rate in the non-anonymous group, suggesting a practical method for boosting participation.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Survey Methodology
Background:
- Postal questionnaires are a common tool for data collection in public health research.
- Maximizing response rates is crucial for the validity and generalizability of survey findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of complete anonymity on postal questionnaire response rates.
- To compare response rates between anonymous and non-anonymous survey conditions.
Main Methods:
- A series of postal surveys on AIDS knowledge were conducted in 1986-1987.
- Participants (n=1800) were randomly assigned to receive either anonymous or non-anonymous questionnaires.
- Reminders were sent to the non-anonymous group.
Main Results:
- Response rates were similar for anonymous (49%) and non-anonymous (51%) questionnaires.
- Reminders increased the response rate in the non-anonymous group to 72%.
Conclusions:
- Complete anonymity does not appear to enhance postal questionnaire response rates.
- The use of reminders is an effective strategy for improving survey participation.