Question

Determine the survey method that would be best suited in each of the following cases and briefly state why.

A researcher would like to obtain the views of senior management in a large organisation on the kind of issues that may be included in the new organisation bulletin called Newsflash.                                                                                     

Answer 1

Hi,

Survey means to look at, in a comprehensive way. There are numerous survey research methods, including in-person and telephone interviews, mailed and online questionnaires and i am defining each one of them below, so that you get a hold over all of these concepts:-

1.) In-Person Interviews

Getting information in person may be the most personal approach and most effective way of gaining trust and cooperation from the respondent. It is easier to react to puzzled facial expressions, answer questions, probe for clarification, or redirect responses. Face to face contact is particularly useful to detect respondent discomfort when discussing sensitive issues or attempts to respond in a socially desirable way.

2.) Telephone interviews

Telephone interviews are less expensive than in-person interviews and may be more or less expensive than mailings, depending on the numbers involved. Access to some people is easier by telephone. However, not everyone has one.

Fewer interviewers are needed to conduct telephone than in-person interviews; if interviewers call from the same location, they can clarify questions with each other, assuring greater standardization and reliability.

3.) Mailed Questionnaires

More people may be reached by paper surveys than any other method, although up to date mailing lists may be difficult to come by and postage can be expensive.

Mailed questionnaires give people time to think about their responses and to use resources at home or at work when responding. There is, of course, no chance to ask probing questions or clarify information.

4.) Online Questionnaires

The use of online questionnaires is very popular. Online questionnaires are the least expensive way to reach the greatest number of people – globally. Although not everyone has a computer, tablet, or smart phone, computers are available at public libraries and community agencies.

Online questionnaires may look easy to create, but in fact are just as difficult as mailed questionnaires to do well. Email invitations, reminders, and the surveys themselves must be designed to be “responsive” to whatever type of device the respondent uses to take the survey, adjusting text sizes and graphics so that they are easily readable.

Now, coming to our case study, A researcher would like to obtain the views of senior management in a large organisation on the kind of issues that may be included in the new organisation bulletin called Newsflash.

Here, it's a very subjective decision because he might want to get the views on mail or on telephone according to his choices and prefrences but after reading all possible four methods, we can say that the first one that is 'In-Person interview' would be a best method for him to collect data and stuff on views of enior management.

This is because, firstly, he doesn't have to collect very large data or from very large set of persons, so he can go for this method, also, it will give him the most accurate result and the data on which he will be able to rely 100%, hence In-Person interview is the method which is most likely to choose by the researcher.

I hope i answered your question very well.

Please do like it.

Thanks