An Investigation into the Effects of Questionnaire Format and Color Variations on Mail Survey Response Rates

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jan 1995

An Investigation into the Effects of Questionnaire Format and Color Variations on Mail Survey Response Rates

Raymond Lagarce ; Judith Washburn

Abstract

This study examines the effect on mail survey response rates of variations in questionnaire color and format. A follow-up mail survey to a corporate incentive program was sent to more than 3,500 participants. Monitoring response rates by questionnaire version showed that a user-friendly format, followed by a two-color design, significantly increased response rates. Question wording and sequencing remained the same across questionnaire versions while format and color varied. A literature review revealed three issues addressed by past studies—structural, functional, and incentive—that impact response rates. Previous studies have found no response rate increases due to altering the color of a questionnaire. However, this study found that a user-friendly format, and to some extent color, was valuable for increasing mail survey response rates. Implications for writers of all forms of communication are drawn.

Journal: Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published: 1995-01-01
DOI: 10.2190/jhp9-b61d-b6qm-m4jf
Open Access: Closed
Topics: multimodality

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (2)

Hartley et al. (2003)

The Effects of Using Colored Paper to Boost Response-Rates to Surveys and Quest…

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Smith (2000)

Strength in the Technical Communication Journals and Diversity in the Serials Cited

Journal of Business and Technical Communication

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