1. The surveys can be done: Face to face On the telephone On the internet
S2.1 Core Plenary
Many governments and large organisations carry out surveys of public opinion on controversial questions.
The surveys can be done:
Face to face
On the telephone
On the internet
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these three methods?
Identity cards
GM crops
Nanotechnology
Testing with animals
Preamble
Online surveys are growing in usage. Pupils may need reminding of what they might entail. One way of approaching the question is to brainstorm the advantages and disadvantages for each with no comments and then the analyse the validity (or not) of the reasons. The question could make a useful mini-research homework on the internet – with the focus on, say, three advantages/disadvantages for each.
Possible content
Advantages and mechanics of three principle modes of questionnaire administration.
Resources
None
Solution/Notes
Some possible (but not exhaustive) advantages and disadvantages are:
Face to face Telephone Internet
People may be Time of interview - Must be online
embarrassed - Only people with phone + Private (or not?)
Expensive - Speaker has to use script + Cheap
Care over time + Cheap - Cannot be sure and place who is responding
- Difficult to standardise
Original Material © Cambridge University Press 2009
Original Material © Cambridge University Press 2009