Which of the following is a disadvantage of using questionnaires in data collection?

Prepare for the IGCSE ICT Theory Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions, with hints and explanations for each. Equip yourself for success!

The statement that responses may lack depth and context highlights a significant disadvantage of using questionnaires in data collection. While questionnaires can effectively gather standardized information from a wide audience, the format often restricts respondents to predetermined answers. This limitation can lead to a lack of nuanced insights that might emerge from more qualitative methods, such as interviews or open-ended discussions.

In situations where complex opinions, feelings, or experiences are being explored, the structured nature of questionnaires may not allow respondents to express themselves fully. For example, if a questionnaire provides only multiple-choice answers or Likert scale options, it may overlook subtleties in a respondent's view or important factors influencing their answers. This often results in data that is easier to analyze but may not fully reflect the richness of participants' perspectives, which is crucial in certain research contexts.

The other options describe positive aspects of questionnaires: they can quickly reach a large audience, they often produce quantifiable results conducive to statistical analysis, and they usually require less administrative effort than interviews, which commonly involve scheduling, conducting, and transcribing discussions. However, these advantages come with the trade-off regarding the potential for lacking richness in the responses gathered.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy