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The Effect of Follow-up Mailings on The Response Rate and Response Quality in Mail Surveys

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Abstract

Numerous experts have demonstrated that the increase in the number of contacts produces a “lengthening” of the field work, although this lag in the analysis of the data is “compensated” by the increase in the response rate that is achieved through this second, third, and successive “contacts”. However, can it be said that these interviewees respond with the same dedication as those who responded from the initial contact? Or could it be that they will try to respond “hastily” so as not to be “harassed” further? The aim of this study is to try to find some answers to these questions by giving the results of the first ever research carried out in Spain using the TDM of Dillman in mail surveys.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, Public University of Navarra, Campus Arrosadía s/n, 31006, Pamplona, Spain

    Vidal Díaz De Rada

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  1. Vidal Díaz De Rada
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Correspondence to Vidal Díaz De Rada.

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Rada, V.D.D. The Effect of Follow-up Mailings on The Response Rate and Response Quality in Mail Surveys. Qual Quant 39, 1–18 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-004-5950-5

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