Advantages and disadvantages of data collection tools

1. Advantages and
disadvantages of data
collection tools
DAVID MZURA-CHIMA

2. Questionnaires
Advantages of using self administered questionnaire:
 A self administered questionnaire is less expensive per respondent than an
interview.
 A questionnaire require less time and less skills for data-gathering and processing.
 External influence is avoided. Respondents have time to think before answering
because they are not under pressure to give an answer immediately.

3. Disadvantages of a self- administered questionnaire:
 The per respondent cost of self-administered questionnaires may be
 low, but return rate is also generally low, usually less than 50%.
 Many respondents do not return accomplished questionnaire.
 Respondents included in the sample may not be representative of the
being studied.
 No one will answer or clarify questions that may arise.
 Questionnaires cannot be used on illiterate respondents.

4. Interviews
Advantages of Face to face Interview:
 The interviewer can observe the body language of the respondent.
 The interviewer can probe for clarification of ambiguous responses. Interview is
effective for semiliterate or illiterate respondents.
 The expected response rate in an interview is high.

5. Disadvantages of Face to Face Interview:
 The cost in terms of money, time, and personnel per respondent is high,
because of travel cost.
 Skilled interviewer is required. Training is needed for those who lack experience
and/ or those who are not yet skilled in conducting interviews.
 Even skilled interviewers require briefing on features/aspects of data collection
peculiar to a particular project.