In a second experiment, the authors used a different unobtrusive measure, which
they called the “quasi-questionnaire technique.” This method involves sending a cover
letter addressed simply to “resident” at a particular address and a brief questionnaire on
some general topic. In this case, the questionnaire asked for respondents’ views about
transportation in urban areas. In addition to the questionnaire and cover letter , a
stamped, return envelope is included. The authors used either the name Patrick
Connolly or William Scott on the cover letter and return envelope. These individuals
were further identified as researchers at a nearby university who were carrying out a
survey on transportation problem in the area. A total of 72 households (half Protestant
and half Catholic) in a town with a history of sectarian conflict received letters that
contained questionnaires from either Patrick Connolly or William Scott; questionnaires
from the two different fictitious persons were also sent to 106 households (half Catholic
and half Protestant) in a town that had been relatively free of conflict.