A comparison of response rate, response time, and costs of mail and electronic surveys

Response rates, response time, and costs of mail and electronic surveys were compared. The survey sample consisted of college faculty in the southeastern United States. Mail surveys yielded a higher response rate and a lower rate of undeliverable surveys. However, receipt of responses was significantly quicker for those delivered electronically, with over 80% of initial responses arriving before receipt of the 1st returned mail survey. The costs associated with distribution of surveys and preparation of data for analysis were much lower with the electronically delivered surveys.