Survey Data Collection Methods

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Survey Data Collection Methods
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Three General Ways of Collecting Primary Data

• Observation
• Survey
• Experiment

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Advantages of Surveys

• Standardization Respondents get same questions,
  same response options
• Ease of administration
• Ability to tap what you cant see
• Attitudes, facts, beliefs, etc.
• Suitability to tabulation/statistical analysis
• Subgroup analysis

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Advantages/Disadvantages of Some Data Collection
Modes

• Person-administered survey
• ADV feedback, rapport (response rate), quality
  control, adaptability
• DIS expensive, slow, limited, error-prone,
  interviewer effects
• Computer surveys
• ADV speed, error-free, use of pictures etc.,
  tabulation/analysis speed, no interviewer effects
• DIS Set-up costs

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• Self-Administered Surveys
• ADV cost, no interviewer effects, respondent
  control
• DIS Response rate, time

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Table 9.2 Ways to Gather Data

• In-home interview
• In-office interview
• Mall-intercept interview
• Traditional telephone interview
• Central location telephone interview
• Computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI)
• Fully computerized interview (Web completely
  automated telephone survey (CATS))

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Table 9.2 contd

• Group self-administered survey
• Drop-off survey
• Mail survey