Question

Answer in detail

Explain questionnaire method with its merits and demerits.

Answer 1

In the questionnaire method, the investigator prepares a questionnaire or schedule that comprises a list of relevant questions. The respondent’s answers are then recorded in the questionnaire. This method is helpful in collecting primary data, as the information is collected directly from the respondents. Data collection using the questionnaire method can be done in the following ways.

i. Sending questionnaire by post- In this method, the questionnaires are mailed to the informants, who complete and mail back the questionnaires to the investigator within a specified period of time.
The merits and demerits of using this method are:
Merits

a. This method is quite easy to use and does not involve much money and effort.
b. It encourages the respondents to freely express their opinions.
c. This method is free from personal bias of the investigator.

Demerits

a. This method requires the respondents to have a basic level of literacy. Thus, this method cannot be used if the target population is illiterate.
b. If respondents don’t understand certain questions, they tend to leave the questionnaire incomplete.
c. The respondents might not return the questionnaires in time.

ii. Enumerator’s method: In this method, the enumerator himself approaches the respondents, and based on their responses, fills up the questionnaires. Some of the merits and demerits of this method are:
Merits

a. As the enumerator himself fills up the questionnaire, it can be used even in those cases where the target population is not literate.
b. Respondents can answer complex and difficult questions with the help of the enumerators.
c. It leaves little scope for the questionnaire being left incomplete.

Demerits

a. It involves huge time, effort and money.
b. The success of this method depends on the availability of trained and competent enumerators.
c. The bias of enumerators might influence the collection of data.