We discuss methods that can improve response rates in large-scale cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Regardless of the specific study topic, sample member population, or method of contact, data collections should be designed with certain core principles in mind: legitimizing the study to prospective participants; presenting study…

Current literature proposes several strategies for improving response rates to student evaluation surveys. Graduate destination surveys pose the difficulty of tracing graduates years later when their contact details may have changed. This article discusses the methodology of one such a survey to maximise response rates. Compiling a sample frame…

Historically, responses to the Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) were required to be collected by self-administered paper or online questionnaire to be eligible for official analysis. CEQ responses collected by telephone were excluded from the final analysis file to minimise the potential for bias due to mode effects: systematic variation in…

This chapter reviews the literature on survey fatigue and summarizes a research project that indicates that administering multiple surveys in one academic year can significantly suppress response rates in later surveys. (Contains 4 tables.)

The 2005 Graduate Follow-up Survey of Apprenticeship Students was a pilot project undertaken by the Ministry of Advanced Education, the Industry Training Authority, and post-secondary institutions (13 public and 9 private). The pilot survey targeted those who completed their apprenticeship technical training programs in a BC post-secondary…

The 2003 British Columbia (BC) College and Institute Short Stay Pilot Survey was designed to collect data on the outcomes of former students who leave public colleges, university colleges, and institutes after completing a relatively small number of courses. It is important to understand why these students are leaving their institutions early,…