The target sample size will be determined by the survey provider, with
consideration given to analysis requirements, recruitment methods and cost and
timeline factors.
To ensure a representative sample, quotas will be established for population
subgroups of key interest to the Study and/or known to be at risk of
underrepresentation (e.g. overseas students, Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander People). Procedures will be established to monitor progress against the
target quotas during fieldwork and strategies will be developed to help boost
response from groups tracking below their target.
(h)
Recruitment methodology
The survey provider, in consultation with the Commission, will develop the
survey’s recruitment strategy. This strategy will take into account sample
representativeness, sample-size targets, study budget and timelines and privacy
considerations.
The recruitment strategy will involve the survey provider gaining approvals
(where required) and cooperation from universities (including dual sector
operators) and selected organisations (including relevant peak groups or
appropriate community organisations) to support survey dissemination.
Universities Australia (UA) (of which most universities are members) has agreed
to work with the Commission and the survey provider to facilitate the
engagement with universities. The CEO of UA is on the Study Advisory Group.
The Commission will facilitate contacts with stakeholders where possible. The
Study team has already started connecting with academics, professional staff,
student associations and groups at universities and peak bodies and community
organisations that represent certain staff and student groups. The Study team
will continue building these connections and relationships to support survey
dissemination.
The fieldwork provider will send Study invitation packs, via email, to participating
universities and organisations. Consideration will be given to other recruitment
modes suggested by the survey provider during procurement and recruitment
strategy development.
(i)
Participant incentives
Incentives will be used to encourage participation and improve response rates.
The selected incentive aligns with research best practice, evidence on use of
participant incentives and National Health and Medical Research Council
(NHMRC) guidelines, which stipulate that incentives must be proportionate to the
time involved and not result in pressure to consent to the research. 97
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