Using monetary inducements to increase response rates from mailed surveys: A replication and extension of previous research

Abstract

Replicated a 1958 investigation by W. Kephart and M. Bressler which demonstrated that the response rates to mailed questionnaires could be significantly increased by including a monetary incentive of $.25. In an experiment with 200 undergraduates, findings were that (a) a quarter ($.25) is still an effective incentive, despite its devaluation during the past 15 yrs, (b) the Kephart and Bressler study can be generalized beyond their unique target population, and (c) a follow-up mailing sending the quarter to nonresponders rather than to everyone on the initial mailout saves about 50% of the cost of the financial incentive but does not significantly decrease the response rate. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)