The effects of several variables and incentives on response rates for surveys were studied in a population of instructors at state-supported colleges in New Mexico and employees at a national laboratory. A survey instrument was developed on the subject of response to surveys. Short and long versions were mailed under cover letters signed by individuals of varying academic status. One of six incentives was included, offering various combinations of a 50-cent reward, a stamped self-addressed envelope (SASE), and an entry for a $50.00 drawing. Out of a total of 426 questionnaires mailed, 197 usable questionnaires were returned, for an overall response rate of 46.95%. Length of survey, institution employing the respondent, and status of researcher had little influence on return rate. The "in hand" monetary incentive had the highest return rate (63.9% with a SASE); no incentive had the lowest. Overall, the likelihood of return increased with increasing effort by the researchers and decreased with increasing respondent effort. The effort researchers put into developing an instrument may be more important than previously thought. Presentation style may encourage subjects to respond even when they are not particularly interested in the study topic. Five tables present response data. (SLD)