Understanding Response Rates in Random Digit Dial Surveys

6 Pages Posted: 29 Apr 2021

Date Written: April 2021

Abstract

This research methods brief presents data from random digit dial (RDD) surveys in nine countries. We show that response rates to such surveys are typically below 60 percent and can be as low as 7 percent. We also show that most of the sample is lost at two points in the survey: non-contact, where respondents do not pick up the phone, and early refusal, where respondents terminate the interview before the survey begins. Beyond that point, cooperation is relatively high, with breakoffs during the interview ranging from effectively 0 to 10 percent across the nine countries. This evidence suggests that the most promising ways to increase response rates are strategies that increase pick-up rates and improve the first impression respondents have of the interviewer. While increasing contact and consent rates should logically improve response rates, it is not a guarantee. Future research would be needed to confirm whether respondents who are newly induced to answer and consent to the survey would be just as cooperative as those who would have consented without further intervention.

Keywords: research methods, phone surveys, response rates

Suggested Citation

Dillon, Andrew and Glazerman, Steven and Rosenbaum, Michael, Understanding Response Rates in Random Digit Dial Surveys (April 2021). Global Poverty Research Lab Working Paper No. 21-105, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3836024 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3836024

Andrew Dillon (Contact Author)

Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management ( email )

2001 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60208
United States

Steven Glazerman

Innovations for Poverty Action ( email )

655 15th St. NW
Suite 800
Washington, DC 20005
United States

Michael Rosenbaum

affiliation not provided to SSRN

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