04 April 2016 16 1K Report

Hi all,

We extracted a random selection of 400 women between the ages of 18 and 40 from the Norwegian Population Register. We then sent out a series of questionnaires to all these women, printed in a single brochure on high-quality glossy paper. There were about 5 (relatively short) questionnaires in total, which should take about 20-30 minutes to complete. There was nothing to special about these questionnaires, pretty much standard questionnaires measuring anxiety, depression, and symptoms of some mental disorders (OCD and eating disorders). Participants were required to complete the questionnaires and send them back to us by post, using an envelope (which was stamped) included in the questionnaire-package. There was no compensation (i.e. gift-cards) for participation.

Although we are still receiving responses, the response-rate so far is very poor. It looks like we will end up with a response-rate of about 15%.

Do any of you have any experiences with similar studies? What sort of response-rates can one expect from such studies? Within Our research-Group, we did similar studies 20 years ago in which approx. 70-80% responded. Lastly, do any of you have any opinions regarding how to boost response-rates? Would one expect monetary compensations (in the form of a lottery for example) too make much of a difference. How about delivering the questionnaires electronically, through e-mails? Or are response-rates generally low nowadays?

I'm curious to hear other's experiences with similar studies!

Best,

-Lasse

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