An analysis of response rate and economic costs between mail and web-based surveys among practicing dentists: a randomized trial

J Community Health. 2012 Apr;37(2):383-94. doi: 10.1007/s10900-011-9455-6.

Abstract

This study explored the economic costs and response rate of mail and web-based surveys with practicing dentists. A random sample of 6,000 practicing dentists was randomly assigned into three groups of 2,000: choice (mail or web-based), postal mail, or web-based. The Florida Tobacco Control Survey 2009, which is composed of 28 questions (including subject demographic questions), served as the survey instrument. A total of 1,232 surveys were returned by the three different groups (21% overall response rate). Response rates were best for the mail (26%) with the worst response rate coming from the Web group (11%). However, a cost-effectiveness analysis revealed that web surveys were 2.68 times more cost effective.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Choice Behavior*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Data Collection / methods*
  • Data Collection / standards
  • Data Collection / statistics & numerical data
  • Dentists / psychology*
  • Dentists / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet* / economics
  • Internet* / statistics & numerical data
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postal Service* / economics
  • Postal Service* / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult