What are the advantages and disadvantages of collecting primary data by (i) Personal interview and (ii) mailing questionnaires to respondents?

(i) Personal interview:

Advantages:

1. The enumerator can personally explain to the respondent the objective of the enquiry and importance of the study.

2. This will help in getting better cooperation of the respondent and in obtaining accurate answers to the questions in the questionnaire.

3. The enumerator can help the respondent in interpreting the questions correctly and recording his answers.

4. This will save time of the respondent and will keep him in good humour.

Disadvantages: The method is expensive. We need a large team of enumerators and spend on their training and travel, besides other expenses on food, stationery, lodging etc.

(ii) Mailing questionnaire to respondents :

Advantage : The method of mailing questionnaries to respondents is far more convenient and less expensive.

Disadvantages : (i) The respondents may not understand or misinterpret some questions.

(ii) The respondent may not take enough care to answer all questions correctly.

(iii) The respondent may ignore and not return the questionnaire at all.

(iv) Some of the questionnaires may be lost in the mail.