Impact of Tailored Messaging on Response Rates: A Field Experiment in the Oregon Crime Victimization Survey

• In Event: Quantitative Contributions to Criminal Justice Research

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of tailored contact material messaging on response rates in the second Oregon Crime Victimization Survey (OCVS II), also known as the Oregon Neighborhood Safety Survey. Achieving high response rates and representative data remains a persistent challenge in survey research, particularly within crime victimization studies. We designed a field experiment with three randomized groups: a control group receiving generic contact materials, and two experimental groups receiving messages emphasizing either community safety or crime, with references to findings from the first OCVS. Contact materials included initial invitation and reminder letters, each revised to test whether referencing OCVS I results and framing the survey’s real-world policy impact influenced participation. All participants received a $1 pre-incentive. We compared response rates across groups and analyzed engagement with web resources using unique tracking links. This study contributes to methodological advances in criminology by examining how outreach strategies and message framing affect survey completion. Our findings will inform future victimization surveys by identifying effective techniques for increasing response rates and enhancing data quality. The results highlight the importance of contextualizing survey participation and leveraging prior findings to demonstrate legitimacy and relevance to potential respondents.

Authors

• Jane Manweiler, ICF

• Stephen Michael Haas, ICF

• Randy ZuWallack, ICF

• Olivia Saucier, ICF

• Heather Driscoll, ICF

• Kelly Guinn, Oregon Criminal Justice Commission