Nonresponse in a mail survey of naval personnel.

Abstract

To determine the attitudes and opinions of Naval Personnel in regard to career incentives, retention, education, conditions of Navy life, etc., an annual mail survey is conducted. The fact that response is voluntary introduces a risk of bias in the results due to nonresponse. This study examines data consisting of demographic variables on the enlisted personnel participating in the 1969 Navy Personnel Survey to determine if differences exist between those who responded to the survey and those who did not. Additionally, the premise that the more successful Navy men respond with a greater frequency than those who are less successful is analyzed. An empirical classification scheme for determination of success using certain demographic variables is presented.