Apologies for cross posting ....
I know there is not an easy answer to the following question, but I
would appreciate any feedback you might have:
Is there saturation point for the number of telephone surveys a
community can take without beginning to damage the reponse rate
of a new survey? We know that telephone survey response rates
have been declining. However, in current decision making on
whether to carry out a desired survey, should an agency attempt to
account for other major random telephone surveys also underway
in the jurisdiction at the particular time? How would one calculate
whether the community is so saturated with other surveys that one
should not proceed? One might worry about effects on both (1) risk
of repeat calls and response rates among individuals solicited,
AND (2) community perceptions or confusion regarding multiple
releases of information (to media and other key community
informants). One can take steps to mitigate public
confusion/distrust and increase the likelihood of completed calls,
but is there a saturation point? Will one more survey make a
difference?
Perhaps you can recall written material on this topic, or have an
opinion/conclusion based on your experience with random
telephone survey work.
Many thanks for any responses.
Catherine Steinweis
Catherine Steinweis, MPA
Evaluation Specialist
Simcoe County District Health Unit
15 Sperling Drive, Barrie, ON L4M 6K9
705/721-7462 Ext. 316
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