precontact

Before contact was established (especially with an indigenous people).

the precontact period

An instance of contacting somebody in advance.

Precontacts may be less effective with homogeneous groups than with samples involving the general population.

Reviewing 12 studies of precontacting or advance notice to respondents, Linsky (1975) concluded that all precontacts by letter, postcard, telephone, or earlier personal contact increased response rates, with the telephone precontact being the most effective.

To contact somebody in advance.

Reviewing 12 studies of precontacting or advance notice to respondents, Linsky (1975) concluded that all precontacts by letter, postcard, telephone, or earlier personal contact increased response rates, with the telephone precontact being the most effective.