Loban, A., Mandefield, L. orcid.org/0000-0002-4219-5673, Hind, D. orcid.org/0000-0002-6409-4793 et al. (1 more author) (2017) A randomised trial found online questionnaires supplemented by postal reminders generated a cost-effective and generalisable sample, but don't forget the reminders. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 92. pp. 116-125. ISSN 0895-4356
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare the response rates, data completeness and representativeness of survey data produced by online and postal surveys. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A randomised trial nested within a cohort study in Yorkshire, United Kingdom. Participants were randomised to receive either an electronic (online) survey questionnaire with paper reminder (N=2982), or paper questionnaire with electronic reminder (N=2855). RESULTS: Response rates were similar for electronic contact and postal contacts (50.9% versus 49.7%, difference = 1.2%, 95% confidence interval -1.3% to 3.8%). The characteristics of those responding to the two groups were similar. Participants nevertheless demonstrated an overwhelming preference for postal questionnaires, with the majority responding by post in both groups. CONCLUSION: Online survey questionnaire systems need to be supplemented with a postal reminder to achieve acceptable uptake, but doing so provides a similar response rate and case mix when compared to postal questionnaires alone. For large surveys, online survey systems may be cost saving.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2017 Elsevier. This is an author produced version of a paper subsequently published in Journal of Clinical Epidemiology . Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. Article available under the terms of the CC-BY-NC-ND licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/) |
Keywords: | RCTs; external validity; questionnaires; response rates; surveys |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health (Sheffield) > School of Health and Related Research (Sheffield) > ScHARR - Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 05 Sep 2017 14:19 |
Last Modified: | 06 Nov 2023 15:49 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2017.08.003 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:120861 |