Homogeneity across mail survey waves: A replicated study

Degree of homogeneity within a target population has been suggested as one criterion for determining the need for follow-up efforts in a mail survey. Previous studies of respondent group differences are insufficient for making generalizations regarding population homogeneity. Each study deals with a different population, activity or set of variables. Replicated data from three mail surveys of anglers were used to investigate the homogeneity of that population and to provide further support for generalizations. Significant differences were found across three respondent groups on most of the 11 variables studied. These included angler motivations, attitudes, information sources, management preferences, years of fishing experience, fishing frequency, perceived fishing ability, annual expenditure for tackle and age. Angler survey respondent groups were generally homogeneous with respect to gender and income. In addition to providing support for using follow-up procedures in statewide surveys of recreation fishing participants, results provide some empirical clues to understanding the conditions under which population homogeneity exists.