Does Sending a Printed Survey as the Final Reminder Boost Response Rate? A Mixed Mode Approach

Society & Natural Resources 2026

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Authors: Lydia Horne, Alyssa R. Soucy, Evan L. Salcido, Sandra M. De Urioste-Stone, Parinaz Rahimzadeh-Bajgiran
DOI: 10.1080/08941920.2026.2640562
Cited by: 0
References: 16

Abstract

Declining response rates in social science surveys are a widespread challenge for human dimensions of natural resources researchers. In this research note, we tested two modes for the final survey reminder: a letter reminding the recipient to complete the survey and a printed survey. Despite the cost of printing and mailing a survey, this approach increased our response rate and had a better return on investment. Additionally, paper survey respondents represented different perceptions and socio-demographics compared to online respondents. By sharing our multi-mode approach to survey reminders, we add to the growing body of work attempting to increase response rates.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Survey Methodology and Nonresponse Survey Sampling and Estimation Techniques Census and Population Estimation

Publication details

Journal / source
Society & Natural Resources
Volume
39
Issue
6
Pages
1073–1080
Publication date
6 March 2026
Language
EN