Question

List the strengths and weaknesses of each mode of survey design, giving particular attention to response rates.

Answer 1

Survey Designs : It is the methodology of collecting informations from a pool of poeple inorder to know their habits, liking and dislikings. Quantitative data is usually collected using the survey design. Population of the nation etc is known after conducting such researches. Many forms of survey designs are there and each one is used depending upon the data requirement. Mainly they are classified based upon the survey instruments used as well as upon the time span required for getting the survey data. All survey designs have their own advantages and disadvantages and we must choose them according to our needs and wants.

Modes of Survey Design :

(a) Online Survey : This is one of the most popular means of conducting surveys. The survey conducted through online are usually are of a set of questions which are send to the users to their emails or messages. The user must answer thier questions within the alloted time. Anyone could easily conduct a survey through online easily.

Strengths :

• Online surveys have very wide reach.
• Respondents could easily attend such survey from anywhere using their laptops or computers.
• Less Expensive
• Data could be collected and analysed with less efforts.

Weakness :

• Since there is an option to skip survey, most people skip surveys as they fell like they don't have to waste time on this.
• It requires the need for gadgets and internet connections which is not possible in mobile areas.

(b) Survey through Telephone : This types of survey are not much popular nowadays due to the high growth in technoly. This types of technology uses telephone to conduct the survey. A call is made to the respondant to ask questions regarding the survey.

Strengths :

• They have wide reach.
• It is less expensive.
• Telephonic interview felts like they have some personal touch.

Weakness :

• Respondant might not be available all the time to answer the questions.
• It is time consuming.
• The data might not be completely reliable.

(c) Newspaper Surveys : Even though there is an ideology that newspaper surveys are old methodologies, still they are effective for many data collection activities. It doen't need the use of electronic gadgets and internet connections.

Strengths :

• There is a wide reach when surveys are done through newspaper.
• It can also reach to respondents who doesn't have access to network connections.
• Formatting used in this survey will be the same throughout which helps respondents to understand them easily

Weakness :

• It is the most expensive method of surveys among all others.
• There is a need for huge number of human resources.

(d) One to One Interviews : Here the researcher should gather informations from the respondent directly by going face to face. The capability of the research is required for the efficiency of the data collected. This method is more reliable and all queries regarding the survey could be understanded in detail. Correct set of questions should be prepared in advance to make use of the time properly.

Strengths :

• The data collected through this method is more reliable.
• Emotional and behavioural factors could be known for the researcher.

Weakness :

• This method of survey is very time consuming like it may take upto 1 hour for one respondent.
• This will create high cost for the organisation.
• The efficiency of the researcher plays a great deal for the reliablity of data.