Time Cue and Time Perception Effect on Response to Mail Surveys

The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of a time-cue technique on time perception and subsequently on response behavior. Time perception is manipulated by changing time cues on the cover letter. Results show that perceived short completion time stimulates a heavier, more immediate response but does not produce noticeable changes in response quality and bias. Findings suggest that response behavior can be improved by manipulating conditions that facilitate “short” time perception.