Selected questionnaire size and color combinations were significantly related to mailed survey response rates.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the degree to which mailed survey response rates, response times, and nonresponse bias are affected by questionnaire size and color.


METHODS
Questionnaires were mailed to a random sample of 2,000 Mayo Clinic patients in one of four size/color "test" groups. One thousand three hundred nine surveys were completed, approximately two-thirds in each group.


RESULTS
A small (6 (1/8) x 8 (1/4) in) questionnaire booklet on white paper had a higher response rate (68.4%) than a similarly sized questionnaire on blue paper (62.3%). A large (8 (1/4) x 11 in) questionnaire on white paper had a 62.7% rate, whereas a large, blue questionnaire had a response rate of 68.6%. Median response times did not differ by questionnaire size/color. No evidence of differential nonresponse bias was observed across the four test groups.


CONCLUSIONS
This study supports the use of a small/white questionnaire format advocated by the Total Design Method advanced by Don Dillman at Washington State University. We observed a favorable response rate for a large questionnaire printed on blue paper; however, if time and resources are limited, use of a small/white questionnaire appears preferable.
Beebe
Timothy J
TJ
Department of Health Sciences Research, Survey Research Center, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. beebe.timothy@mayo.edu
Stoner
Sarah M
SM
Anderson
Kari J
KJ
Williams
Arthur R
AR
D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015982:Bias; D003116:Color; D015340:Epidemiologic Research Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008910:Minnesota; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors