Minimizing Non-Response in a Survey of New Businesses (Presentation)

18 Pages Posted: 2 Nov 2007

See all articles by Tom Barton

Tom Barton

Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

David DesRoches

Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

Date Written: June 19, 2007

Abstract

Research surveys of establishments such as new businesses face significant challenges. Cooperation rates are generally lower than household surveys because of lack of interest, lack of time, or confidentiality concerns. The Kauffman Firm Survey (KFS), sponsored by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, used various techniques to achieve a response rate of 43 percent. The KFS used a multi-mode approach to encourage Web response and reduce telephone interviewing costs. In training telephone interviewers, refusal avoidance was emphasized, including quick response to initial reluctance to participate, and identifying and quickly responding to common reasons for refusal. We also emphasized completing the survey screener quickly to identify eligible businesses, which were about 35 percent of the sample. This paper describes these training methods, outlines other steps to improve response rates, and compares survey results of cases with an initial refusal with results from cases that completed without an initial refusal.

Keywords: business surveys, nonresponse, refusal conversion

Suggested Citation

Barton, Tom and DesRoches, David, Minimizing Non-Response in a Survey of New Businesses (Presentation) (June 19, 2007). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1026412 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1026412

Tom Barton (Contact Author)

Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. ( email )

P.O. Box 2393
Princeton, NJ 08543-2393
United States

David DesRoches

Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. ( email )

P.O. Box 2393
Princeton, NJ 08543-2393
United States
609-275-2366 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.mathematica-mpr.com

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