Customer Reviews

Mail and Telephone Surveys: The Total Design Method

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I used this book when I developed surveys for my research and in developing telephone surveys for agencies. I recommend it to my graduate students when they are struggling with how to do mail or telephone surveys. Don't let the publication date keep you from obtaining this book. It is still applicable today.

Dillman covers everything: how to phrase questions, how and when to mail the surveys, how large to print, even how to fold the paper. An extensive, interesting piece on how to attain representative, valid information from the public. I've heard no one say they've used the TDM and recieved under 60% participation!

Donald Dillman illustrates how inexpensive mail surveys can achieve impressive response rates. I've used the TDM numerous times in Canada, the UK and Australia and also realized response rates over 65%. Response rates of this size significantly reduce the opportunity for a non-response bias. The only people who won't like this book are those who operate expensive telephone or personal interviewing companies!