advantage and disadvantage of mail survey
Answers
Advantages of a Mail Survey
Cost– Mail surveys need not much of manpower. A man alone can administer the entire survey process. Compared with telephone surveys and face-to-face interviews, the cost in conducting a mail survey is relatively cheaper. This type of survey is optimal of there are large sample size involved. Let us say that the participants are around 40,000. Mailing them is cost-effective than calling them one by one. On estimate, a typical medium-scale mail survey can cost at least $5,000. On the contrary, a telephone survey or a face-to-face interview requires double or triple of your budget for a mail survey.
Geographical stratification– A mail survey can specifically target different segments of the population.
Honesty– Research shows that participants of a survey give more honest answers compared with other data collection methods. This is because respondents are more comfortable giving their views or opinions through writing.
Convenience– Mail surveys provide convenience to respondents for they can answer the questionnaires at their own pace. Survey participants have the liberty to use as much time needed when answering the survey, which will result to more comprehensive and thorough responses. They can also answer the questionnaire anywhere they want to, as long as they have survey instrument.
Administration– For those who will administer and supervise the mail survey, not much of an experience are needed. This type of survey does not oblige the authority to make decisions during high-pressure scenarios. For researchers, they are permitted to curtail sampling errors. They also have the jurisdiction of what the respondents can see on the questionnaire, unlike online surveys where software compatibilities and technical issues are factors on how the survey will be displayed.
Other strengths of a mail survey include being able to contain lengthy and complex questions and visuals that will aid respondents in answering certain questions can be incorporated, and can ensure confidentiality and anonymity.
Disadvantages of a Mail Survey
Coverage errors and Response Rates– A mail survey usually generates 3-15% response rate. Having said that, it is not the primary drawback of engaging in this type of survey. The real problem is how to obtain a reliable and complete list of participants from the target population. When failed to do so, this will result to coverage errors. Examples are incomplete mailing lists e.g. excluding members of the family that are temporarily away like college students. Biased results and outdated information are also included in coverage errors.
Questionnaire design– Since mail surveys do not offer the opportunity for follow-ups, the questionnaire design can make or break the survey. Questions must be brief, straightforward and accurate.
Respondents– Mail surveys are unseemly ineffectual for very young children, disabled or sick persons, to those with language barriers, and marginally literate or illiterate.
Administration– Researchers have no control as to whether or not the survey has been completely answered or what will happen to the questionnaire after being mailed.
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