EXAMPLE 3.12 Change in Nonresponse in Pew Surveys
The Pew Research Center conducts research using surveys on a variety of issues, attitudes, and trends.16 A study by the center examined the decline in the response rates to their surveys over time. The changes are dramatic, and there is a consistent pattern over time. Here are some data from the report:17
| Year | 1997 | 2000 | 2003 | 2006 | 2009 | 2012 |
| Nonresponse rate | 64% | 72% | 75% | 79% | 85% | 91% |
The center is devising alternative methods that show some promise of improving the response rates of their surveys.