Page 13 - JRCERT Update Articles

JRCERT Update

Data Collection Modes research has mixed results when determining the most
Planning and implementing a data collection mode effective mode of distribution. Faculty should consider
that is appropriate for the population completing the a mode of distribution that is best for the population
survey can increase response rate. The data collection being surveyed.
mode includes the methods in which the survey is dis- Other factors to consider when improving response
tributed, and responses are collected. There are various rate using data collection modes is the means to obtain
methods to distribute survey questionnaires to the tar- the data from the respondent and determine whether
get population, such as: the participants will complete the survey in-person or
ƒ course management systems remotely. When surveys are administered in-person in
ƒ email a group, such as in the classroom, a high response rate
9
ƒ in-person can be likely. Alternatively, if the survey is conducted
ƒ mailed surveys distributed via a postal service remotely, the response rate might be lower and could
ƒ online be affected by the accuracy of the participant’s contact
ƒ phone surveys information. Accurate contact information is important
The electronic options require using web-based sur- to ensure surveys are received by potential respon-
1
vey instruments such as Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, or dents. If the survey group consists of future graduates
Microsoft Office Forms. These electronic instruments or alumni, connecting via social media or by collect-
can be a low cost and effective option for data collec- ing personal email addresses with permission before
tion, analysis, storage, and management. student graduation ensures that the participants can
When comparing the response rates of different receive the survey.
modes of distribution, Fraze et al found that traditional
paper surveys resulted in the highest response rate (60%), Privacy and Confidentiality
web-based surveys received a 43% response rate, and When conducting a survey, protecting privacy and
email surveys received the lowest response rate (27%). 6 confidentiality is crucial. It is the responsibility of the
They suggested to follow up web-based surveys with surveyor to protect the respondent’s right to privacy and
1
paper surveys to improve response rate. Research con- confidentiality. Saleh and Bista indicated that assur-
ducted by Hardigan et al studied 7200 U.S. pharmacists ance of privacy and confidentiality also is an important
to determine the effects that distribution method, factor that affects response rate. When surveys are
10
survey length, item placement, and gender of partici- distributed electronically via email or online, there is
pants has on survey response rate, response time, and another concern for a potential security failure because
costs. They found that the distribution method was of communication to and from the respondent as well
7
the only variable that influenced the response rate and as the web server. However, respondents might be more
response time. Surveys distributed via a postal service likely to share a negative or extreme response if the
7
with a pre-paid self-addressed return envelope showed surveyor is not present during the survey. A potential
1
the highest response rate, and emails with a link to a solution to avoid security failures while maintaining
web-based survey showed the shortest response time. responses is to administer or monitor in-person surveys
7
However, Medway and Fulton found that mailed sur- using a neutral party.
veys that include a web-based option for the target
population have significantly lower response rates than Incentives
those that do not. They argued that the low response Adding intrinsic or monetary incentives for the com-
8
rate might be because of the increased complexity of pletion of a survey is another method used to increase
options. Their result is consistent with Shih and Fan response rates. Surveys that target a sample group by
8
who suggested that even with advancements in internet appealing to a shared value or belief is an incentive
technology, mailed surveys provide higher response to attract respondents before completion of a survey.
rate compared with emailed surveys. Therefore, Another incentive method is to communicate how a
5

RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY, July/August 2021, Volume 92, Number 6 627
Reprinted with permission from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for educational purposes. ©2020. All rights reserved.