Methods of Data Collection and Mode of Administration

Summary: Advantages of mail surveysSummary: Disadvantages of mail surveys• Mail surveys require an address• Most compatible with list samples with a named respondent• Staff and field costs• Relatively low cost• Minimal staff and facilities required• Sample• Provides access to widely dispersed sample• Design does not need to be clustered• Measurement• Respondents have time to give thoughtful answers, look up records, orconsult with others• Best for sensitive questions, avoidance of social desirability bias• Reduced response or question order effects• Frame• Need for good mailing address limits designs with which it can be used• Within-household selection of respondents difficult, so respondent mustusually be identified on frame• Nonparticipation• Relatively low response rates• Measurement• Disadvantages associated with lack of interviewer presence• Literacy requirement limits utility• Short, less complex questionnaires• Increased item missing data