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Physician Responses to Multiple Questionnaire Mailings

Author

Listed:
  • Jeffery Sobal

    (Cornell University)

  • Bruce R. DeForge

    (University of Maryland)

  • Kevin S. Ferentz

    (University of Maryland)

  • Herbert L. Muncie Jr

    (University of Maryland)

  • Carmine M. Valente

    (Center for Health Education)

  • David M. Levine

    (Johns Hopkins University)

Abstract

Homogeneous groups surveyed about issues of concern to them may require few follow-ups because respondents provide role-specific answers representative of others in that role. The authors analyzed three questionnaire mailings to 1,535 physicians that produced 977 responses (604 first, 252 second, and 85 third mailing). The only demographic or substantive variable significantly different between mailings was medical specialty. This supports the hypothesis that surveys of homogeneous groups, such as physicians in one specialty, may require fewer follow-up efforts. However, using few follow-ups must be done cautiously to avoid nonresponse bias and insure sufficient sample size.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeffery Sobal & Bruce R. DeForge & Kevin S. Ferentz & Herbert L. Muncie Jr & Carmine M. Valente & David M. Levine, 1990. "Physician Responses to Multiple Questionnaire Mailings," Evaluation Review, , vol. 14(6), pages 711-722, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:evarev:v:14:y:1990:i:6:p:711-722
    DOI: 10.1177/0193841X9001400611
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Maheux, B. & Legault, C. & Lambert, J., 1989. "Increasing response rates in physicians' mail surveys: an experimental study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 79(5), pages 638-639.
    2. Taggart, Mary P. & Wartman, Steven A. & Wessen, Albert F., 1987. "An analysis of medical students' residency and specialty choices," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 25(9), pages 1063-1068, January.
    3. Berk, M.L., 1985. "Interviewing physicians: The effect of improved response rate," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 75(11), pages 1338-1340.
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