Incentives to increase participation in an Internet survey of alcohol use: a controlled experiment.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the use of the Internet in a survey of drinking among students, and the effectiveness of incentives to encourage participation.


METHODS
In a survey of drinking in university students, a random sample of 160 students were randomly assigned to one of four token incentive conditions. All received posted invitations, and reminders by e-mail and telephone.


RESULTS
Overall response was 85% and did not differ significantly by incentive condition.


CONCLUSIONS
Internet surveys are effective in obtaining alcohol use information from students. Minimal incentives may suffice if coupled with intensive follow-up.
Kypri
Kypros
K
Injury Prevention Research Unit, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. kkypri@ipru.otago.ac.nz
Gallagher
Stephen J
SJ
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003625:Data Collection / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data