Embracing Mixed-Mode Surveys

Two students using calculators with a third student on their phone in the background.

How BOSR - and the survey field in general - conducts our surveys changes as technology and methods of communication change. Over the years, BOSR has changed our business practices to be consistent with general mode trends in survey research. BOSR often suggests that researchers who want to understand a well-defined population should combine or “mix” survey modes. 

Mixed-mode surveys allow researchers to collect information quickly and cost effectively. For instance, adding a web survey link to a mailed paper survey allows responses to come in quickly via web and fewer surveys to be mailed in subsequent mailings. 

This mixed-mode approach potentially lowers costs of data entry and mail processing, and saves on return postage costs. Many of our repeat surveys have added a mail or web component, and telephone calls are typically saved for final follow-ups.

In FY 2022-2023, BOSR conducted seven large-scale mixed-mode surveys with both mail and web components. Offering both modes saves costs and fights declining response rates while also allowing those who don’t have easy internet access at home to participate. Below are the projects that repeat annually:

  • The Nebraska Annual Social Indicators Survey - BOSR’s flagship omnibus survey - moved to a mixed-mode web and mail design in 2020.
  • The Labor Availability Survey is conducted on behalf of the Nebraska Departments of Labor and Economic Development. In 2021, this survey moved to a mixed-mode design.
Line graph showing the drop in response rates for the Post-school Outcomes Survey over time
Bar chart showing the percentage of Web, Mail, and Telephone methods for seven survey projects.
  • The Nebraska Post-School Outcomes survey is conducted for the Nebraska Department of Education. In 2007, BOSR started collecting data for this survey using only telephone. As response rates declined, a mail survey was added in 2017, and a web survey was added in 2020.
  • The Behavioral Health Consumer Survey is conducted for Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. BOSR started collecting this data in 2015 as a mail survey with nonresponse follow-up telephone calls. In 2022, we piloted methods of offering a web survey link to all sample members, and are offering this again in 2023 after its success.

Mixing modes can be challenging. BOSR has conducted internal R&D and developed extensive processes and procedures to make mixed-mode surveys successful!