The effects of method of reproduction, status of researcher and personalization of signature on the initial rate of return of mail questionnaires were investigated, using a one-page combination cover letter and questionnaire mailed to 200 full professors, 200 associate professors and 200 assistant professors at the University of Maryland, College Park. The levels of each experimental variable were: Status (professor, graduate student); signature (hand signed in ink, mimiographed facsimile); reproduction (typed, photocopied, mimiographed). A response rate of 69% was obtained, without using any follow-up procedures. Chi square analyses indicated no significant differences in the rate of returns for the levels of any of the experimental variables. It appears that initial return rate will not be significantly affected by using the most efficient, least expensive method available. (Author)