Advantages and Disadvantages of Survey Method in Research

This assignment explores the advantages and disadvantages of using survey method in research. It discusses the benefits of survey design, such as ease of administration, flexibility in data analysis, and cost-effectiveness. However, it also highlights the limitations of survey method, including lower validity rate for some questions and potential for inappropriateness of questions. The assignment suggests alternative methods of data collection, such as interview, which can provide deeper understanding and more accurate results.

Research Methods
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:

Survey Design
Survey design is an efficient way of collecting data where a list of questions that help in
determining answer to the research question. The survey is a closed-ended questionnaire pattern
which may be self-administered or group-administered. Survey is a simple way to measure the
attitude and responses for exploring the research question (Taylor, Bogdan, and DeVault 2015).
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Survey Method
The main advantage of using the survey method is that they are easy to administer in
comparison with other methods of collecting data. It can be prepared in less time when compared
to other data collection methods. The survey design method can reduce geographical
dependence. There is flexibility in data analysis about the given subject. Not only the survey
design measures attitude, but it also gathers data for values, opinions and factual information.
The survey design method is beneficial as the data can be analyzed using advanced statistical
techniques. The cost of collecting data using survey design is low while it provides precise
results (Taylor, Bogdan, and DeVault 2015).
However, the survey design method also proves disadvantageous as there may be lower
validity rate for some questions. As the questions are closed ended, there is no scope for
providing reasons or justification. The participants of the study may not be encouraged to
provide accurate and honest answers. There is a possibility of inappropriateness of questions
while exploring the research question (Smith 2015).

Alternative Method of Data Collection
An alternative method that is suggested for analysing the attitude of people towards
violence on television is interview. The interview method refers to the verbal conversation
between the interviewer and the interviewee for knowing the participant’s experiences. It is a
qualitative research that may be used for attitude of people towards violence on television as it
may help in pursuing in-depth information (Smith 2015). The interview may be planned in a
manner that allows face-to-face interaction. The respondents shall have the opportunity to
express their opinions with justification for their point of view. There are two methods to pursue
an interview- structured and unstructured. In case of structured interview, the questions are asked
in a set order without deviating. An unstructured interview is one in which random questions are
asked based on the discovery made for the research. The interview questions are open-ended that
increases validity for the interviewer in deeper understanding (Taylor, Bogdan, and DeVault
2015).
Following is a list of questions that may be asked to know the details of attitudes towards
violence on television.
1. What do you think about violence on television shows?
2. In your opinion, to what extent should violence be banned from the television?
3. How does watching violent show on the television change your behaviour or feelings?
4. In your opinion, are the kids affected by violent shows on the television?
5. Is censorship the answer to less exposure to violence?
6. Do you enjoy violence on the television?

The above questions shall give the participants an opportunity to share their views and
express their opinions in an elaborate manner.

References
Smith, J.A. ed., 2015. Qualitative psychology: A practical guide to research methods. Sage.
Taylor, S.J., Bogdan, R. and DeVault, M., 2015. Introduction to qualitative research methods: A
guidebook and resource. John Wiley & Sons.