Surveys conducted on the telephone. Surveys conducted on the internet. S2.1 Extension Plenary Surveys conducted on the telephone. Surveys conducted on the internet. What are their advantages? What are their disadvantages? Preamble This brainstorming activity allows pupils to consider surveys in a contemporary context. Most will have experience of one or both of these types of survey. Allow all ideas equal weight initially, but narrow these down by guided discussion – depending on the time available. Possible content Features of a good survey. Resources None. Solution/Notes Internet Advantages: cheap; can reach anyone in the world; quick information processing; automatic. Disadvantages: only people with internet access can be reached (bias); people must be literate (they can’t ask for clarification of questions); cannot be too long, as people tend to drop out of long of multiple- choice questionnaires. Telephone Advantages: quick; a real person involved; can reach over 95% of homes; people can ask for clarification of questions; script followed. Disadvantages: expensive; can only reach most people from 18:00 to 21:00; no visual support; if it’s too long people lose interest – 15 minutes max.