The Evolution of Don Dillman's Survey Methods Books

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Don Dillman made significant contributions to survey research through his books that provide practical guidance, grounded in theory and supported by research. The first edition was published in 1978 as telephone surveys were rising, and Dillman articulated the importance of mail methods, that continued over his career. It was the first book to include detailed procedures and best practices and attention to how social exchange theory can inform decisions to improve responses. The second edition centered web surveys and his research experience in this area. It also introduced the Tailored Design Method recognizing that design choices should be tailored to each study's needs and can interact to help reduce total survey error. The third and fourth edition Internet, Phone, Mail, and Mixed-Mode Surveys: The Tailored Design Method, authored with Jolene Smyth and Leah Christian, focused on providing guidance for conducting mixed-mode surveys and integrated substantial research on extending visual design principles to survey questionnaires and materials. Dillman's focus on applied research and providing guidelines people could follow set his books apart from others.

Survey research methods

Survey methodology

Questionnaire design

Mail survey

Web survey