Incentives, Length, Timing, and Technology for a Longitudinal Survey of Postcollege Outcomes for Recent Graduates

• In Event: Conducting and Validating Surveys

Abstract

There is limited current information available about modern survey methods, specifically in the context of surveying recent college graduates. However, outcomes for this group have become of increasing concern to higher-education researchers and career services professionals. This study uses a short-term longitudinal survey of post-college outcomes to examine the effects of various financial incentives, survey lengths, contact methods, and outreach technologies on response rates. Surveys were administered to recent college graduates who had taken the CLA+, an assessment of critical-thinking and written-communication skills, three months, six months, and one year following graduation. The results show that immediate monetary rewards, short surveys, weekly reminders, and contact via email rather than text message yielded the highest response rates.

Authors

• Jessalynn James, University of Virginia

• Doris Zahner, Council for Aid to Education