The Effects of Multi-Wave Mailings on the External Validity of Mail Surveys

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Abstract
Survey data, particularly mail questionnaires, are very useful in community development work. With relatively low cost, a practitioner can obtain valild information to determine community needs, support for programs and general attitudes and opinions of local citizens. Low response rates, however, can have serious effects on the validity of the data Previous research has shown that followup mailings are essential to obtaining a high response rate to mail surveys. This paper examines the potential for sample bias if the number of mailings is reduced. Differences between groups responding to three waves of mailings to a statewide Pennsylvania survey (N = 9,957) are examined via log-linear techniques, using continuation ratio models. The results indicate that initial respondents differ from laggard respondents on five demographic characteristics, but differences diminish between early laggard and late laggard respondents. The implication is that single mailings of questionnaires could cause serious threats to the validity of the data. Multiple mailings and other methods to maximize response rates are necessary to improve the quality of survey data for community development work.

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