Reduction of Low Response Rates in Interview Surveys of Poor African-American Families

ABSTRACT

This paper suggests a framework for maximizing response in survey research with poor African-American families. Highlighting the affinity between research and direct practice, strategies involving persuasion, credibility, giving, and motivation are discussed. The utility of these ideas for researchers concerned with data gathering in minority communities for policy and practice is addressed.

Key Words:

• Survey research
• maximizing response rate
• survey interviewing
• data gathering with difficult-to-research populations
• recruiting survey respondents
• relationship formation
• poor African-American families
• single mothers