Topic: Basic Methods Of Communication With Respondents

Basic Methods Of Communication With Respondents:

Introduction:
Significant changes in the way of statistical surveys taking place in recent years, affect not only
methods of collecting data, but also sources of information. With the purpose of reducing the
administrative burden on enterprises, statistical offices in many countries replace surveys
conducted with the use of questionnaires by data from administrative sources. In search of new
data sources, statisticians consider making use of completely new areas of information, called
'big data'. 'Traditional' role of respondents seems to be less and less important and become
updated.
Respondents must be put central in a survey process. Communication with them is a crucial issue
on every stage of a survey. Purposes for communication with respondents are to receive data
with enough completion and low costs. In other words, the main aim of communication is to
motivate them to deliver data of good quality and on time.
Modern methods of collecting data lead to modern methods of communication. But along with
modern methods of communication we use also traditional ones we used mixed-mode approach
to communication.
There are several basic methods of communication with respondents in research and survey
contexts, including:

Email:
Email is a popular method of communication for researchers because it is convenient, efficient,
and can be personalized. Researchers can send surveys, reminders, and follow-up messages via
email.

Telephone:
Telephone surveys are a traditional method of communication that can be effective for reaching a
wide audience. Researchers can use automated telephone surveys or conduct live phone
interviews.

Online surveys:
Online surveys are a popular method of communication because they are easy to administer,
cost-effective, and can reach a large audience quickly. Online surveys can be conducted via
email, social media, or through online survey platforms.
In-person interviews:
In-person interviews are a face-to-face communication method that allows researchers to gather
detailed responses and observe respondents' body language and nonverbal cues. This method can
be time-consuming and costly, but it can provide valuable insights.

Focus groups:
Focus groups are a group communication method that involves bringing together a small group
of respondents to discuss a specific topic. Researchers can observe and record the conversation
and gather feedback from multiple participants.

Postal mail:
Postal mail surveys are a traditional method of communication that can be effective for reaching
older or less tech-savvy respondents. Researchers can send surveys via postal mail with a self-
addressed stamped envelope for respondents to return their responses.

The choice of communication method depends on the research goals, budget, and target
audience. A combination of methods may be used to maximize response rates and gather
comprehensive data.