Comparing Participant Recruitment Methods for Statewide Needs Assessment Surveys

Authors

Amy Harder, University of Connecticut - StorrsFollow
Diane D. Craig, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural SciencesFollow
Karlibeth Leitheiser, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural SciencesFollow

Volume

62

Issue

3

Abstract

Contracting with a paid survey vendor can be costly; are free and low-cost survey recruitment methods a sound option for Extension? The purpose of our study was to assess the feasibility of using free or low-cost recruitment methods as a substitute for contracting with a paid survey vendor when conducting a statewide needs assessment. The demographic characteristics and responses from paid survey panelists were compared with the same data from participants recruited via Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Observed differences suggest that Extension professionals should carefully consider whose perspectives are needed for a needs assessment and make survey recruitment decisions accordingly.

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Recommended Citation

Harder, A., Craig, D. D., & Leitheiser, K. (2024). Comparing Participant Recruitment Methods for Statewide Needs Assessment Surveys. The Journal of Extension, 62(3), Article 17. https://open.clemson.edu/joe/vol62/iss3/17