Glossary of Terms
Response Rate:
In general, the higher the response rate, the more representative the resulting data is.
Non-Response Bias:
The possibility that those people surveyed who did NOT respond would have responded differently than those that did. The higher the response rate, the lower the chance of non-response bias.
Maximum Sampling Error:
The the ± figure you see associated with survey results ("Results are subject to a maximum sampling error (MSE) of ± 4% at the 95% confidence level"). That means the chances are 95 in 100 that the results you get from the survey are within 4 percentage points—higher or lower—of the true percentage for the entire population.
Custom Study Info Center
Research customized to meet your needs
Before beginning any study, a Readex associate will listen to your needs and carefully design a research plan to meet your objectives. A proposal outlines each step of the process so there are no surprises along the way.
Readex takes care of all the details
We've designed our studies so that your involvement is only necessary during the initial phases of the project: working with us to determine objectives, approving the questionnaire, and providing the sample.
Following these steps, you can focus on your other responsibilities while we conduct your study.
Results that represent your population
Because Readex customized studies represent the population being surveyed, we focus on methods that maximize representation.
To avoid non-response bias, we've formulated a variety of techniques that yield a high response rate. Beware of results based on a low rate of response. The people who didn't respond may be much different than those that did.
How many surveys will be sent
Sample size will vary depending on your objectives, but we typically send 600-1000 surveys if the goal is to obtain 400-600 responses.
Because the sample and response size determine how precise the results are in terms of maximum sampling error, we will explain the implications of increasing or decreasing the sample size.
Additional surveys may be sent if you're interested in breaking down the data into extensive cross-tabulations.
Three data collection methods meet your needs
Surveys can be conducted by mail, online, or by incorporating both methods (a.k.a. mixed mode). There are many factors to consider before deciding on a method: representation, deadlines, and costs. Look to a Readex associate to recommend the method that best balances your requirements.
What's the timeline?
Final reports for mail or mixed mode studies generally take about 12 weeks from questionnaire approval.
Questionnaire design can take a couple weeks or longer. The need to consult with others during this step significantly increases design time.
Following questionnaire approval a survey requires about 1 week for materials production, 6 weeks for data collection, and 3 weeks for editing and keypunching data and writing your reports.
Online surveys require less time for data collection and may net some time savings in keypunching.
How much will it cost?
Costs associated with these studies vary considerably. The key variables that impact price include the method of data collection, the number of people surveyed and respond, and questionnaire size. Proposals are provided on a case-by-case basis.