Effects of sociodemographic factors on mail survey response rate, resp
onse speed, and data quality are summarized. Consistent with previous
reviews, evidence for effects of education is strongest with possible
effects of age and gender. Evidence for effects of other sociodemograp
hic factors is either ambiguous or absent. Speed and quality of respon
se are also associated with educational level and possibly age. Sociod
emographic factors are briefly discussed in light of three theories of
mail survey response behavior. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.