The primary objective of this paper is to encourage survey researchers not to become overly reliant on the literature for generic solutions to non-response bias problems. In addition, the paper recounts an example of how a non-traditional approach was used to maximize the usefulness of data collected under unusual constraints and with an a priori expectation of a high rate of non-response. The author was charged with testing the ability of the National Science Foundation to conduct a biennial survey of scientists and engineers who had recently immigrated into the United States. This assessment was done within the context of the "noggin factor," which engenders a consideration of the particularity or each survey situation. As a result of the noggin factor, generalized solutions to survey research problems tend to be self-defeating. It is concluded that survey researchers should attend more to process than to outcome. (TJH)
