Experimenting with QR Codes and Envelope Size in Push-to-Web Surveys

Kyle Endres; Erin O. Heiden; Ki Park; Mary E. Losch; Karisa K. Harland; Anne L. Abbott

doi:10.1093/jssam/smad008

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Experimenting with QR Codes and Envelope Size in Push-to-Web Surveys

Journal article

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Experimenting with QR Codes and Envelope Size in Push-to-Web Surveys

Kyle Endres, Erin O. Heiden, Ki Park, Mary E. Losch, Karisa K. Harland and Anne L. Abbott

Journal of survey statistics and methodology, Vol.12(4), pp.893-905

09/2024

DOI: 10.1093/jssam/smad008

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Abstract

Survey researchers are continually evaluating approaches to increase response rates, especially those that can be implemented with little or no costs. In this study, we experimentally evaluated whether or not including Quick Response (QR) codes in mailed recruitment materials for self-administered web surveys increased web survey participation. We also assessed whether mailing these materials in a non-standard envelope size (6 x 9 inch) yielded a higher response rate than invitations mailed in a standard, #10 envelope (4.125 x 9.5 inch). These experiments were embedded in a sequential mixed-mode (dual-frame phone and web) statewide survey. Including a QR code (in addition to a URL) significantly increased the response rate compared to invitations that only included a URL in our study. As expected, a consequence of including the QR code was an elevated number of completions on smartphones or tablets among households randomly assigned to the QR code condition. The use of a larger (6 x 9 inch) envelope did not affect the overall response rate but did significantly boost the response rate for the landline sample (envelopes addressed to "STATE resident") while having little effect for the wireless sample (envelopes addressed by name). This study suggests that incorporating both QR codes and larger (6 x 9 inch) envelopes in mail recruitment materials for web surveys is a cost-effective approach to increase web participation.

Mathematics

Physical Sciences

Social Sciences

Mathematical Methods In Social Sciences

Science & Technology

Social Sciences, Mathematical Methods

Statistics & Probability

Details

Title: Subtitle: Experimenting with QR Codes and Envelope Size in Push-to-Web Surveys
Creators: Kyle Endres - University of Northern Iowa
Erin O. Heiden - University of Northern Iowa
Ki Park - University of Northern Iowa
Mary E. Losch - University of Northern Iowa
Karisa K. Harland - University of Iowa
Anne L. Abbott - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of survey statistics and methodology, Vol.12(4), pp.893-905
DOI: 10.1093/jssam/smad008
ISSN: 2325-0984
eISSN: 2325-0992
Publisher: Oxford Univ Press
Number of pages: 13
Grant note: CDC/HHS Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 04/26/2023
Date published: 09/2024
Academic Unit: Epidemiology; Emergency Medicine; School of Social Work; Injury Prevention Research Center; National Resource Center for Family Centered Practice; Community and Behavioral Health; Law Faculty
Record Identifier: 9984410791802771

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