4. Questionnaires - pros and cons
Advantages of questionnaires |
Disadvantages of questionnaires |
---|---|
Can get answers from a lot of people in a relatively short space of time | Only as good as the questions being asked. If the questions are poorly worded or they are biased then the data obtained might not give an accurate picture. |
They provide lots of data for analysis and the more data sets, the more accurate the analysis | Can be difficult for the analyst to ask the right questions if they are unfamiliar with the system |
Everyone answers the same questions i.e. same information is requested. Reduces bias. | They are impersonal, people may be more open face to face discussions |
Allows people to answer at a time convenient to them | The response rate may be poor - especially if people are busy or don't see the benefit in answering |
If anonymous, perhaps more honest answers will be provided | Difficult to allow people to expand on their answers, especially with closed questions |
Questions can be planned ahead of time by the analyst |
challenge see if you can find out one extra fact on this topic that we haven't already told you
Click on this link: Questionnaire Design