Identifying the Right Respondent
For some target populations (particularly businesses), identification of the appropriate respondents is key to a successful data collection effort. Depending on the survey, we employ a variety of methods to identify the appropriate respondent at each sampled site. Our methods include:
- telephone screening
- email screening
- other methods, such as contact through customer representatives.
Regardless of the mode used, the ultimate goals are to identify the correct person to complete the survey and to determine if the potential respondent qualifies according to the sample restrictions.
For online surveys, the screening process can also be used to obtain the email addresses of potential respondents. If we know in advance the respondents' email addresses or we obtain them via the screening process, we can use these email addresses to provide potential respondents with the URL and, typically, the unique key for accessing the survey.
For hard-copy surveys, we arrange to mail the survey forms to the potential respondents. We either ask these respondents to return their completed forms via mail or we arrange for follow-up telephone calls to collect the survey responses.
Finally, we may offer potential respondents a choice between online or paper surveys. Offering this choice may help to minimize conflicts and the potential bias that could result from incomplete Internet access in the target population.
For more information, contact Dan Hansen.
©2007 Laurits R. Christensen Associates