The Effectiveness of Between-Wave Mailings and Tailored Material Incentives on Response Rates: Results from a Young Adolescent Longitudinal Survey

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: The Effectiveness of Between-Wave Mailings and Tailored Material Incentives on Response Rates: Results from a Young Adolescent Longitudinal Survey
Language: English
Authors: Roman Auriga, André Pirralha (ORCID 0000-0002-2335-7278), Friederike Schlücker, Götz Lechner, Anna Passmann
Source: International Journal of Social Research Methodology. 2025 28(1):119-131.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 13
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Adolescents, Mail Surveys, Research Methodology, Response Rates (Questionnaires), Longitudinal Studies, Incentives, Participation, Attrition (Research Studies)
Geographic Terms: Germany
DOI: 10.1080/13645579.2024.2303031
ISSN: 1364-5579
1464-5300
Abstract: Mailing campaigns are a way to keep longitudinal survey respondents engaged. While mailings usually include a survey answer request, sometimes respondents are contacted between-waves to update contact information or simply to keep respondent contact. Research on the actual impact of these between-wave contacts on response rates is scarce. This paper addresses three research questions: (1) Do between-wave campaigns impact response rate? (2) Does the addition of non-monetary incentives to between-wave campaigns further impact response rates? (3) Do between-wave campaigns also affect other members of the household? Following a one-year break between survey waves, we design a randomized survey experiment assigning respondents to five treatment conditions. Results show that keeping-in-touch mailings did not significantly increase the likelihood of an interview in the National Educational Panel Study for either children or their parents in general. However, when we focus on specific characteristics of the targets, significant differences are found.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1458601
Database: ERIC
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Description
Abstract:Mailing campaigns are a way to keep longitudinal survey respondents engaged. While mailings usually include a survey answer request, sometimes respondents are contacted between-waves to update contact information or simply to keep respondent contact. Research on the actual impact of these between-wave contacts on response rates is scarce. This paper addresses three research questions: (1) Do between-wave campaigns impact response rate? (2) Does the addition of non-monetary incentives to between-wave campaigns further impact response rates? (3) Do between-wave campaigns also affect other members of the household? Following a one-year break between survey waves, we design a randomized survey experiment assigning respondents to five treatment conditions. Results show that keeping-in-touch mailings did not significantly increase the likelihood of an interview in the National Educational Panel Study for either children or their parents in general. However, when we focus on specific characteristics of the targets, significant differences are found.
ISSN:1364-5579
1464-5300
DOI:10.1080/13645579.2024.2303031