USING FAX TECHNOLOGY TO SURVEY PROFESSIONALS AND ORGANIZATIONS

This study was conducted to investigate the usefulness of the facsimil e (FAX) machine in survey research. Specifically, the FAX machine was used to send two-page surveys to professionals at higher education ins titutions while other institutions received surveys by mail. Follow-up reminder letters were also sent by both FAX and mail. Response rates were highest among institutions receiving surveys and reminder letters by FAX. Sending surveys and follow-up letters via FAX was also cost-e ffective. The cost was lowest when the surveys and follow-up letters w ere sent by FAX on a Sunday. The cost of sending by FAX on a business day was comparable to that of using regular mail service. Implications for the use of FAX technology in survey research are discussed.