Research Tips
Declining Phone Survey Response Rates
Response rates for phone surveys have declined in recent years. 2004 estimates suggested more than three quarters of people asked to participate in phone surveys in the United States refused.1 High refusal rates can add to the cost of a study and compromise its validity. For situations in which phone survey refusal rates are high, it’s worth considering other data collection techniques such as mail and Web surveys or taking steps to increase response rates.
1 Quigley, Patrick and Bob Wallach (2004), “Online Market Research: Trends and Technologies”, American Marketing Association Seminar presented via WebEx Event Center, http://amaseminars.webex.com/Ext.