NCJ Number
213101
Journal
Criminal Justice Policy Review Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2006 Pages: 22-31
Date Published
March 2006
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Using a four-State mail survey of prosecutors as an example, this article proposes using the Tailored Design Method (TDM) as a means of increasing response rates for mail surveys of elite policymakers.
Abstract
The self-administered mail survey of prosecutors in Washington, Oregon, Maryland, and Connecticut achieved a 76.3-percent final response rate by using the TDM. The survey sought information on prosecutors' policies regarding the investigation and prosecution of doctors for over-prescribing opioids for patients' pain relief. The TDM, which the author believes produced the high survey response rate, recognizes that the design and implementation of surveys must be tailored to the population being surveyed. In the case of the prosecutors' survey, this meant recognizing that the confidentiality of the opinions of elected policymakers had high priority for them. Consequently, every effort was made to protect the confidentiality of the participants while maintaining scientific survey standards. Since previous research has shown that impressive endorsements for a survey can increase response rates, influential State associations of prosecutors were contacted for the endorsement of the survey. The reasons for the survey and its parameters were explained, which was followed by endorsements from all State associations but one, as well as an endorsement from a national association. Letters of endorsement were included in the survey packets. Three waves of mailings were used, based on research that has shown multiple mailings to be effective in increasing survey response rates. 19 references