Cover Letter

A cover letter accompanies or transmits another document such as a survey questionnaire. Its purpose is to alert the respondent about the questionnaire it accompanies and to provide the details of requested actions on the part of the respondent. When used as a part of multiple communications or overall research strategy, such as an advanced contact or future reminder mailings, it can help increase response by conveying important information (e.g. research topic, survey sponsor, incentives) that is likely to influence a respondent's decision to cooperate and/or to comply fully and accurately with the survey task. As with all communications (including the questionnaire), the cover letter should be written in a way that maximizes the likelihood of participation and minimizes or eliminates any possible objectionable content.

Cover ...