| Chapter 1: | Introduction |
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A code number alone enabled us to identify those completing surveys from those who had yet to participate. Participants were informed that the survey would take about 15 minutes to complete and were given instructions for completing and returning the surveys.
The introductory letter accompanied the questionnaire and spelled out the objectives and importance of the research to the computer coordinators. The first paragraph identified the role of the researcher, as well as the nature and importance of the work. The second paragraph explained the potential benefits and risk-free nature of participation because of the confidentiality provided. The final two paragraphs explained that completing the survey was voluntary, that no compensation would be provided, and that the survey would take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Reasons for the code number were explained along with the “I do not wish to participate” box in the event that the coordinator was not interested in participating. The respondents were given the names, mailing addresses, and e-mail addresses of the researchers and the Computer Center staff at the Jerusalem municipality if they had any questions. Finally, printed on the front of the survey was a deadline by which to return the survey, along with research instructions to return the questionnaire in an enclosed, stamped envelope.
Subsequent introductory letters were updated for additional mailings and postcard reminders (Appendices E, F, G, H, I, and J) were translated into Hebrew by an Israeli educator (who was considered “the follow-up translator”). This same person also translated the coordinators’ returned survey responses into English. We believe both translators were well qualified—the initial translator was an American fluent in Hebrew, who was educated in the Israeli university system, while the latter was a native Israeli who taught in the western New York middle schools for over 20 years.