Meta-Analysis of Questionnaire Response Rates in Military Samples

摘要

The purpose of this research was to examine if factors related to questionnaire response rate in the general public also affect response rate in military-only samples. Very little research pertaining to this specific group was located during the literature review. Four response rate factors taken from studies conducted in the general public were selected for this research topic: questionnaire length, questionnaire delivery mode (postal, e-mail, web-based, direct administration, and mixed mode), use of advance notices, and use of follow-up reminders. Data were gathered for a meta-analysis of 73 previously published studies which utilized a survey or questionnaire to collect data from a military-only sample. After the data were analyzed, only two response rate factors produced significant results for this study: survey length and survey delivery mode. Results were discussed, and recommended research areas and conclusions are given.