Types Of Surveys You Should Know

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Survey Types -There are many different types of survey designs. Two of the designs are a self-completed survey and the other is a one-on-one in-person interview. Discuss the pros and cons of each design. Discussion Board Guidelines: Explain answer in at least 250 words. Provide at least two academic sources (wiki sites and the course text are not acceptable).

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Survey research methodologies are fundamental tools in social sciences, marketing, health studies, and numerous other fields where understanding human behaviors, opinions, and attitudes is critical. Among the various survey designs, self-completed surveys and one-on-one in-person interviews are two prominent methods, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages that influence their applicability depending on research goals, target demographic, and resource availability.

Self-completed surveys, also known as self-administered surveys, are typically distributed via mail, online platforms, or administered in public settings such as malls or events. The primary advantage of this method is cost efficiency. Since these surveys eliminate the need for trained interviewers and associated logistical expenses, researchers can reach a large sample size with relatively minimal investment (Dillman, Smyth, & Christian, 2014). Furthermore, self-completed surveys often provide a sense of anonymity to respondents, encouraging candid responses, particularly on sensitive topics such as health or personal beliefs (Fowler, 2014). Additionally, electronic surveys facilitate rapid data collection and ease of data management through automated systems.

However, self-completed surveys exhibit notable limitations. Non-response bias can compromise data quality, as individuals who choose to respond may systematically differ from non-respondents, potentially skewing results (Dillman et al., 2019). The lack of interviewer presence also means that clarification of ambiguous questions is not possible, which might result in misunderstandings and unreliable responses. Moreover, the design of the survey and technological literacy can influence participation rates, especially among populations unfamiliar with digital platforms.

Conversely, in-person one-on-one interviews provide a personalized approach that allows researchers to clarify questions and probe deeper into respondent answers. The immediate engagement often results in higher response rates and richer qualitative data. This method is particularly beneficial when exploring complex or sensitive topics that require nuanced understanding (Fowler, 2014). Researchers can observe non-verbal cues, ensuring respondents interpret questions as intended, which enhances data validity.

Despite these benefits, the in-person interview method is resource-intensive. It requires substantial financial investment in interviewer training, travel, and time, limiting the scope and scale of data collection. The presence of an interviewer may also introduce social desirability bias, where respondents tailor their answers to appear favorable to the interviewer, especially on sensitive issues (Groves et al., 2009). Additionally, logistical constraints might restrict access to geographically dispersed populations.

In conclusion, the choice between self-completed surveys and in-person interviews hinges on specific research objectives, resources, and the nature of the target population. Self-completed surveys offer convenience and cost-effectiveness but may suffer from lower response rates and potential misunderstandings. In contrast, in-person interviews foster detailed, high-quality data collection at higher costs and logistical complexity. Researchers often balance these factors based on their study's needs, sometimes employing mixed methods to capitalize on the strengths of both approaches.

References

• Dillman, D. A., Smyth, J. D., & Christian, L. M. (2014). Internet, Phone, Mail, and Mixed-Mode Surveys: The Tailored Design Method. John Wiley & Sons.
• Fowler, F. J. (2014). Survey Research Methods. Sage Publications.
• Groves, R. M., et al. (2009). Survey Methodology. John Wiley & Sons.
• Dillman, D. A., et al. (2019). Internet, Phone, Mail, and Mixed-Mode Surveys: The Tailored Design Method. 4th Edition. Wiley.