Response Rates to Anonymous versus Confidential Surveys

Abstract

This study examined return rates for a survey on perceived professional preparation by Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists, examining whether surveys identified as anonymous or confidential would yield a higher return rate. Of the 384 surveys sent to anonymous recipients 257 (66.9%) were returned at a cost of $3.32 per respondent. Of the 384 surveys sent as confidential 274 responses (71.3%) were returned at a cost of $2.19 per respondent, indicating that, while there was no significant difference in return rates the confidential form of survey was more cost-effective than the anonymous format.