Mail and Internet Surveys: The Tailored Design Method

by Don A. Dillman

For nearly two decades, Don Dillman's Mail and Telephone Surveys and the Total Design Method it outlined has aided students and professionals in effectively planning and conducting surveys. But much has changed since the TDM was developed in 1978. Mail and Internet The Tailored Design Method, Second Edition, thoroughly revised and updated by the author from his classic text, addresses these changes and introduces a new paradigm that responds to the recent developments that affect the conduct and success of surveys. In this new edition, Dillman introduces a new paradigm called "Tailored Design," which expands TDM to account for-and take advantage of-innovations such as computers, electronic mail, and the World Wide Web; theoretical advancements; mixed-mode considerations; the increasing acceptance of self-administered surveys; our better understanding of specific survey requirements; and an improved base of social science knowledge. As insightful and practical as its classic original, Mail and Internet Surveys, Second Edition is a crucial resource for any researcher seeking to increase response rates and obtain high-quality feedback from mail, electronic, and other self-administered surveys. Topics covered Praise for the previous edition . . . "Required reading for anyone who wants to diversify research procedures."
-Contemporary Psychology "An excellent reference tool and valuable addition to any serious practitioner's library."
-Public Relations Journal "The book is packed with practical suggestions that cover each task in designing andimplementing a survey."
-Social Forces

Genres: Academia, Nonfiction

480 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1978

Reviews

[M Burke]

Lots of new material in the third edition about the Internet. But not especially helpful. Didn't answer practical questions (because there's not much empirical data yet) like how to provide an incentive with a web survey invitation. More of a discussion of the problems afforded by the Internet than any practical suggestions.

[Jen]

It's quite an interesting book not only for learning why and how people respond to surveys, but also how to construct surveys that are more likely to yield useful, accurate data. At first I was intimidated by the 523 pages. However, the book is clearly written, with a readable typeface, many visual aids and case studies.

[Dave]

the bible of survey design!

[Jean]

I recommend this book to anyone who is going to collect survey data, even simple satisfaction surveys following an event...it's a GREAT guide and resource.

[Travis]

The authority on survey research, with not quite up-to-dae information on web-bseds and e-mail surveys (who does e-mail survey's anyway? doesn' everyone go to some surveymonkey-like website?)

[M Burke]

"Actually, I'm reading the First Edition, which doesn't have all this great web survey stuff. Hope to get this edition soon."

[Michelle]

It will be useful.