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Less is More: Lessons from a Mandatory U.S. Government Survey

Author

Elizabeth Poehler

Co-author

Broderick Oliver
Dorothy Barth

Conference

64th ISI World Statistics Congress

Format: IPS Abstract

Keywords: communication, household surveys, self-response

Session: IPS 139 - Improving survey response by advance letters in challenging times – theory, methods & design

Monday 17 July 10 a.m. - noon (Canada/Eastern)

Abstract

The U.S. Census Bureau launched a comprehensive research project in 2017 to holistically redesign self-response mail materials and develop new materials for its flagship survey, the American Community Survey. We first conducted a literature review of best practices in communication and survey research. Next, we identified the target audience. Then we developed a strategic framework for messaging. The current mailings were assessed using the framework, and we designed new materials based on the assessment outcomes. After cognitive testing, the new materials were field tested.