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Cited by 2,581Survey Methodology and NonresponseEvaluation of Teaching PracticesOnline and Blended Learning

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 20 of the 22 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

The adequacy of response rates to online and paper surveys: what can be done?

Open access
Nulty, Duncan D.·2008·Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education
DOI 10.1080/02602930701293231
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Abstract

This article is about differences between, and the adequacy of, response rates to online and paper‐based course and teaching evaluation surveys. Its aim is to provide practical guidance on these matters. The first part of the article gives an overview of online surveying in general, a review of data relating to survey response rates and practical advice to help boost response rates. The second part of the article discusses when a response rate may be considered large enough for the survey data to provide adequate evidence for accountability and improvement purposes. The article ends with suggestions for improving the effectiveness of evaluation strategy. These suggestions are: to seek to obtain the highest response rates possible to all surveys; to take account of probable effects of survey design and methods on the feedback obtained when interpreting that feedback; and to enhance this action by making use of data derived from multiple methods of gathering feedback.

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Show all 22 references

Research works printed but not linked: 6

  1. Ballantyne, C. (2003, November 24-25). Measuring quality units: Considerations in choosing mandatory questions. Paper presented at the Paper presented at Evaluations and Assessment Conference: a commitment to quality, University of South Australia, Adelaide.
  2. Goyder, J. (1987). The silent majority: non-respondents on sample surveys. Cambridge: Polity Press.
  3. Hastie, M., & Palmer, A. (1997). The development of online evaluation instruments to compliment web-based educational resources. . Paper presented at the Paper presented at the Third Australian World Wide Web Conference., Lismore, New South Wales.
  4. Kittleson, M. (1995). Determining effective follow-up of e-mail surveys. American Journal of Health Behavior, 21(3), 193-196.
  5. Nulty, D. D. (1992). Students' Opinions on Students' Opinions. In M. S. Parer (Ed.), Research and Development in Higher Education: Academia Under Pressure: Theory and Practice for the 21st Century. (Vol. 15, pp. 498-502).
  6. Pearson Assessments. (2006). Survey Tracker Plus. Retrieved 3 May 2006, from http://www.pearsonncs.com/surveytracker/index.htm

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Metadata

Authors
Nulty, D. D.
Affiliations
Griffith University (AU)
Corresponding author
Nulty, Duncan D.
ORCID
Nulty, Duncan D.
Venue
Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2008-06
Volume
33
Issue
3
Pages
301-314
ISSN
  • 0260-2938 (ISSN-L)
  • 1469-297X
DOI
10.1080/02602930701293231
OpenAlex
W2156725384
Cited by
2,581
References
22
Citations by year
2026: 118 · 2025: 154 · 2024: 124 · 2023: 140 · 2022: 185 · 2021: 229 · 2020: 248 · 2019: 240 · 2018: 243 · 2017: 244 · 2016: 202 · 2015: 185 · 2014: 137 · 2013: 63 · 2012: 24
FWCI
52.09
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education (publishedVersion)
  • Griffith Research Online (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Survey Methodology and Nonresponse
  • Social Sciences › Education › Evaluation of Teaching Practices
  • Social Sciences › Education › Online and Blended Learning
Keywords
survey response rates, online surveys, paper-based surveys, course evaluation, teaching evaluation, higher education assessment, survey design, assessment methods, data adequacy

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