Abstract
Survey research is an extremely old and common method of gathering information in our society. Yet many attempts by faculty and graduate students to gather data for scholarly research will fail because the survey component failed to generate an adequate data base. This article provides a total design model for maximizing response rates in survey research, using techniques which have consistently helped to achieve response rates of from 50 to 80 percent. Included are "personal touch" recommendations for questionnaire construction and mailing, and associated cost factors. A matrix is provided of these survey methods, as are caveats for researchers seeking to survey practitioners in "total institutions" where social intercourse may be discouraged and examination difficult.
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