lost-letter technique

n. A procedure for measuring attitudes in a geographical area in which two equal sets of letters are stamped and addressed to groups likely to have opposing views on the attitude being measured and are randomly scattered through an area. The number which are ultimately delivered is taken as an indication of a favorable attitude toward the attitude supported by the group to whom the letter was addressed as it is assumed people will be more likely to mail letters to groups of whom they approve than to organizations of whom they do not approve. Also called the lost-letter procedure.