JSM 2005 Online Program

Abstract #303427

This is the preliminary program for the 2005 Joint Statistical Meetings in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Currently included in this program is the "technical" program, schedule of invited, topic contributed, regular contributed and poster sessions; Continuing Education courses (August 7-10, 2005); and Committee and Business Meetings. This on-line program will be updated frequently to reflect the most current revisions.

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Activity Number:	493
Type:	Contributed
Date/Time:	Thursday, August 11, 2005 : 8:30 AM to 10:20 AM
Sponsor:	Section on Survey Research Methods
Abstract - #303427
Title:	Business Survey Response Rates: Can They Be Improved?
Author(s):	Glenn D. White, Jr.*+ and Amy Luo
Companies:	Ernst & Young LLP and Ernst & Young LLP
Address:	1225 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20036, United States
Keywords:	Response Rate ; Business Surveys ; Questionnaire Length ; Incentive
Abstract:	Business surveys often are challenged with low response rates. This is especially true for business surveys that seek sales and other financial data. Unlike many U.S. Census Bureau business surveys where businesses are mandated to participate, businesses often refuse to disclose their financial information in private-sector surveys. In the past, researchers have focused on the effect of incentives, advance, and thank-you letters. In this paper, we focus on the survey length and incentives as an influence to the response rate. A Convenience Store News industry business survey sample was randomly divided into two groups of equal size. One group received a long survey of eight pages while the other received a short survey of four pages containing only key questions. The survey follows standard business survey methodology. We used multiple survey modes and implemented the survey using total design methods with an advance letter, a second mailing, and a reminder. Each respondent received a small monetary thank-you gift with the first mailing. In this paper, we will present an analysis of the effect of the long and short survey forms and incentives on response rates.

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