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Mail -Out Census <br />Type of Sample Convenience sample, based upon who <br />responds to the mailing <br />Representativeness Residents with more intense feelings likely <br />to respond, potentially biasing the results <br />Probable Response 10%-40% <br />Rate <br />Accuracy of Questionable; low response rate makes <br />Results distortion by "extremists" more likely <br />Fieldwork Time 4-6 weeks <br />Cost Low -to -moderate, depending on size of <br />questionnaire, size of the community, and <br />number of reminders <br />Telephone Survey <br />Random sample, including pre -designated <br />target households and substitutions <br />Random samples can be projected <br />statistically to the entire population within <br />specific limits of accuracy <br />90%+ <br />Statistically significant; e.g., 400 <br />respondents provide results within t 5.0% <br />of the entire population 95% of time <br />2 weeks <br />Moderate, depending on size of <br />questionnaire and size of sample <br />Focus Groups: In this type of approach, potential participants are screened and invited to participate in a <br />discussion section at a specific time and location. The facilitator engages the group in a discussion based <br />upon a scripted series of open-ended questions. The proceedings can be videotaped, electronically <br />recorded, or transcribed by a note -taker. If there are a series of focus group discussions taking place, the <br />common discussion guide will facilitate later comparisons between groups. In order to ensure an <br />acceptable participation rate among targeted individuals, financial incentives are usually offered and <br />refreshments are served at the session. <br />Telephone Random Sample: In this type of approach, a random sample of individuals is selected to be <br />interviewed by telephone. All individuals have an equal chance of being selected and interviewed. <br />Questionnaires are administered over the telephone by trained and supervised interviewers. Telephone <br />numbers are tried at least six times during a one-week period, before another household is substituted for <br />the original selection. Results are based upon a pre-set number of completed interviews. <br />