Surveys are great for capturing deep, rich data from residents and customers, though are notorious for getting that great info from only a few voices. Ever wonder why your surveys aren’t getting very many responses? Evidence suggests that survey response rates can drop significantly after a certain number of questions, typically around 10 questions. This phenomenon is often referred to as survey fatigue.
Survey fatigue occurs when respondents become tired, bored, or frustrated with the survey-taking process, leading them to abandon the survey before completing it. This can be due to various factors such as the length of the survey, the complexity of the questions, or the perceived relevance of the survey content. Research in survey methodology has found that shorter surveys tend to have higher response rates compared to longer surveys. Meaning, as the number of questions increases, respondents are more likely to drop out or provide incomplete responses.
To mitigate survey fatigue and maintain high response rates, Opiniion aims to keep surveys concise and focused, with a limited number of questions that are relevant and engaging to the resident/customer.
Survey fatigue is a well-documented phenomenon in the field of survey methodology. Numerous studies and sources provide evidence of its reality, which serves as baseline when defining our strategy and recommendations for high-quality surveys. Some key sources include:
- Research Journals: Academic journals in fields such as psychology, sociology, marketing, and survey methodology frequently publish studies that investigate survey response rates and factors influencing respondent behavior. Examples of relevant journals include the “Journal of Survey Statistics and Methodology,” “Public Opinion Quarterly,” and “Survey Methodology.”
- Survey Research Organizations: Organizations dedicated to survey research, such as the Pew Research Center, the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR), and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR), often publish reports and articles discussing survey methodology issues, including survey fatigue.
- Books on Survey Methodology: Textbooks and reference books on survey methodology commonly address the issue of survey fatigue and provide guidance on how to design surveys to minimize its effects. Examples include “Survey Methodology” by Robert Groves et al. and “Questionnaire Design: How to Plan, Structure and Write Survey Material for Effective Market Research” by Ian Brace.
- Online Resources and Publications: Websites and online platforms dedicated to survey research and methodology, such as SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, and the American Psychological Association (APA) website, often feature articles, blog posts, and white papers discussing survey fatigue and related topics.
- Academic Conferences and Workshops: Presentations and discussions at academic conferences and workshops related to survey methodology frequently address issues of respondent behavior, including survey fatigue, based on empirical research and practical experience.
- Government and Institutional Reports: Government agencies, research institutions, and non-profit organizations often conduct surveys as part of their work and publish reports detailing survey methodologies and findings. These reports may discuss survey fatigue and its implications for survey research.
By consulting these resources and research, we have a comprehensive understanding of survey fatigue and its impact on survey response rates and data quality. Book a demo to learn more about how Opiniion can help you to measure and manage your resident/customer experience with high-quality data!