Postal Surveys
| Cost – they are cheaper than face-to-face or
telephone surveys, but more expensive then web-based. |
Response Rates – well-designed, well-managed
postal surveys can deliver good response rates. However,
response rates in recent years seem to be falling. |
| Resource – less resource needed for data
collection than face-to-face and telephone. No need for trained
team of fieldworkers. Data entry team needed. |
Response Bias
– certain groups tend to have lower response rates eg. young
adults, younger men, some BME groups. Ensure you act to reduce
the impact of this at the design and analysis stage. |
| Time –
quicker than face-to-face interviewing; about the same as
telephone; web-based is fastest. Time needed for data entry
phase. |
Question
Wording – needs to be simple and easily understood (no
opportunity for consistent clarification as in interview
surveys). |
| Geography
– can be inclusive (in a cost effective manner) for remote
communities. Allows geographical stratification more easily. |
Literacy –
not suitable for residents with low levels of literacy or where
there are language barriers. Appropriate use of transitions and
telephone help-lines can assist those with low levels of English
literacy. |
| Honesty –
potential for more open responses than face-to-face / telephone.
(Be careful to limit personal questions or to invade privacy) |
Respondent
– there is no guarantee that the named resident has actually
completed the questionnaire. |
| Respondent
– method is less intrusive than face-to-face or telephone.
Allows respondent to complete questionnaire in their own time. |
Design –
need to be simple to complete, limited chance to use additional
materials. |
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