Question

Explain briefly the method of collecting data through mailed questionnaire. State its merits and demerits.

Answer 1

Under this method, questionnaires are mailed to the informants. A letter is attached with the questionnaire giving the purpose of the enquiry. It is also assured that the information would be kept private. The informants note the answers to the questions and return the completed questionnaire to the investigator.

Merits:
(a) This method is economical in terms of time, money and efforts involved.

(b) This method allows wide coverage of the area of study.

Demerits:
(a) If the informants are biased, then the information will also be biased.

(b) Generally, the informants do not take interest in the questionnaire and fail to return it.