Using Probabilistic Incentives to Increase Response Rates to Mail-return Highway Intercept Diaries

Abstract

This article reports the results of a field experiment testing the effectiveness of a probabilistic monetary incentive to increase the rate of return of a highway intercept diary used to estimate the economic significance of tourism. The experiment consisted of two groups of travelers using a highway wayside rest just inside a state's borders. The control group was given the mail-return diary-questionnaire, while the experimental group was given the diary-questionnaire and told that they would be entered into a lottery for a $50 U.S. Savings Bond when the diary was returned. The rate of return of the diaries for the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group, but no other effects were found.