NON-RESPONSE TO RESEARCH SURVEYS
Date
2011-05-12
Authors
Lurie, Ruth
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Abstract
A survey’s external validity is reliant on sample randomness and size. The sample size is
the result of the minimum required and the response achieved. Much attention has been
given to response in a commercial setting. Very few have examined the nature of
response in academia. This study used an online questionnaire to survey researchers
from 17 South African business schools. It asked about the achieved response and
research design specifications. The response rate was then calculated and significance
testing used, to establish which variables are the most significant in affecting response.
The study concluded that the respondent characteristics, especially the industrial sector
surveyed and the inclusion criteria used; an appeal based on respondets’ unique opinions;
prior notice; and as short as possible a timeframe, are the most positively significant. The
study makes recommendations to universities and students in increasing response and
hopes to further response theory in general.
Description
MBA - WBS
Keywords
Questionnaires, Graduate students