A measure of the proportion of individuals who participate in a survey or study, it reflects the percentage of those contacted who provide a response. For example, if a survey is sent to 1000 people and 200 complete it, the resulting figure is 20%. This provides insight into the success of data collection efforts.
Understanding the return on outreach efforts offers multiple advantages. A higher number generally suggests the findings are more representative of the target population, improving the reliability and validity of research outcomes. Historically, this metric has served as a key indicator of data quality and the effectiveness of communication strategies. Furthermore, it plays a pivotal role in assessing bias and informing decisions to improve future engagement.