Mail survey research in counseling psychology: Current practice and suggested guidelines.

40 studies published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology from January 1980 through October 1989 that used mail survey procedures were identified. Research pertaining to the methodological procedures that enhance response rates was examined, and a questionnaire inquiring about the use of these procedures sent to authors of the 40 studies. 31 primary researchers, representing 34 (85%) of these studies, responded. Many of the studies did not follow empirically evaluated procedures for increasing response rates. Recommendations for counseling studies that use mail surveys to collect data are provided. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)