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JRCERT Update

Table
Strategies to Improve Response Rate
Strategy Application Consideration
Data collection Mailed surveys provide a higher response rate than Mailed surveys might provide better response rate among
mode do emailed or web-based surveys. Consider the some respondents. However, electronic surveys provide
sample population, their access to electronics, and an effective form of data collection and analysis, are low
their computer skills as well as the surveyor’s program cost, and have convenient data storage and processing.
resources and budget when deciding on the data In-person administration of surveys provides the highest
collection method. response rate, but this method might not be possible for
certain surveys.
Privacy and Assure respondents about their privacy and If the survey is conducted in-person, the surveyor should
confidentiality confidentiality of the data collected; this can be leave the room and use a neutral party to monitor or
explained at the beginning of the survey. administer the survey. If surveys are returned by email, the
receiver should be a neutral party so that the identity of
respondents remains confidential. For web-based surveys,
the option to anonymize responses should be used.
Incentives Monetary incentives can improve the response rate. If If programs are not able to provide a monetary prize, an
possible, respondents can be offered a drawing for the intrinsic prize such as points toward a course grade for
chance to win a prize. survey completion can be used. An explanation of the
benefits of the study results for future programs, courses,
and the radiology profession also can be encouraging for
some respondents.
Questionnaire Start the survey with questions that are easy and catch Avoid complicated surveys with multiple sections that
design the respondents’ attention. Demographic questions take a long time to complete as well as surveys that do
can be placed at the end of the survey. Questions not provide a purpose statement.
should be clear, easy to understand, and an appropriate
length to encourage participation. Personalization also
can increase the response rate; address each survey by
name or group, if possible.
Reminders and Sending reminders to nonresponders can be an Consider changing the wording of reminders and provide
follow-ups effective way to increase the response rate. multiple data collection modes for the respondents to
complete and return the survey.

rates because response rates are affected by many fac- survey sample. The survey sample typically is selected
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tors related to study designs and survey attributes. to obtain a representative group of a larger population.
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Although a high response rate is ideal, there is not The population “is selected based on the knowledge
a base rate to use as a standard. For some surveys, a of the population and the purpose of the study. The
response rate between 95% and 100% is expected, while respondents are selected because of some character-
in others, a response rate of 70% is anticipated.” 1 istic.” When a specific population is being surveyed,
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To improve the survey data, understanding strategies such as graduates, alumni, or employers, it is more likely
that could improve response rate is important. A fac- that the entire population will be sampled. This type
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tor to consider is the survey respondents that represent of sampling is considered purposive or judgmental sam-
the target sample. The characteristics of the survey pling. The issues to address are whether an appropriate
respondents and the number of people surveyed is the sample can achieve the expected response rate.

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Reprinted with permission from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for educational purposes. ©2020. All rights reserved.