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Does a QR Code in the Invitation Letter Increase Participation in a Push-to-web Survey?

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: QR codes are increasingly used in postal invitations to web surveys to facilitate participation. We experimentally tested how a QR code in the invitation letter affects participation in a push-to-web survey of the German family panel (pairfam). The response rate was three percentage points higher with QR codes than without. The QR code effect on response did not differ by gender or education, but it was significantly higher for middle-aged than for younger individuals. Additionally, the proportion of respondents using mobile devices to complete the survey increased substantially. This increase was exclusively due to a 12-percentage-point higher proportion of smartphones, with no increase in the proportion of tablets.

Source: Field Methods

DOI: 10.1177/1525822x241308522

Authors: Claudia Schmiedeberg, Jette Schröder, Christiane Bozoyan

Institutions: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, GESIS - Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Survey Methodology and Nonresponse

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650

OpenAlex ID: W4416127372

FWCI:

Cites: 18

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