Response Rate [1]

Response rate, also known as completion rate or return rate, in survey research refers to the ratio of the number of people who answered the survey to the number of people in the sample. It is usually expressed in the form of a percentage. The non-response rate, then, is the ratio of the number of people who did not answer the survey to the number of people in the sample.

The non-response rate should not be confused with the refusal rate. There are many reasons for non-response, only one of which is refusal to participate in the survey.

Methods used to increase the response rate to a survey include the use of incentives, pre-letters, interviewer training on response-encouraging techniques, and follow-up requests.

1. This definition is based on the Wikipedia entries for response rate and statistical surveys (accessed 29 December 2006) [disclaimer].