Question

Why should you always pilot test a questionnaire? And list 5 advantages and 5 disadvantages of Interview, Questionnaire, Observation.

Answer 1

Yes the pilot is necessary. in each new study, validation should be reported because the new setting, population, and other variables that may affect the validity of the scale. If you are using a validated instrument that was validated in one culture and you are adapting it into another population or culture, it is very very IMPORTANT to ensure that careful cross cultural adaptation has been done.

Interview----------Advantage of interview--------------1. Any misunderstanding and mistake can be rectified easily in an interview. Because the interviewer and interviewee physically present before the interview board.

2. Relation between the interviewer and the interviewee can be developed through an interview. It increases mutual understanding and co-operation between the parties.

3. Suitable candidates can be selected through interview because the interview can know a lot about the candidate by this process.

4. Interview can help to collect the fresh, new and primary information as needed.

5. Interview can help to save time to select the best suitable candidate. Within a very short time communication can be accomplished with the interview.

Disadvantages of interview--------1. Suitable candidate can not be selected by interview only. The written test is more important than the interview.

2. In the case of the interview some confusion may be arisen in the future as, there is no evidence actually that have been discussed at interview.

3. Much attention is required for a good interview. But sometimes it is observed that both the interviewer and the interviewee are less attentive. That is why real information cannot be collected.

4. Interviewee may be disappointed while she or he faces the interviewer’s questions which are not related to the field. That is why suitable candidate may be neglected.

5. Time constrain is one of the major limitations of the interview process. Preparation for the interview, taking interviews and interpretation of the responses required much time, which makes the interview method time consuming.

Questionnaire-------The advantages of questionnaires-----------1. Practical.

2. Large amounts of information can be collected from a large number of people in a short period of time and in a relatively cost effective way.

3. Can be carried out by the researcher or by any number of people with limited affect to its validity and reliability.

4. The results of the questionnaires can usually be quickly and easily quantified by either a researcher or through the use of a software package.

5. Can be analyzed more 'scientifically' and objectively than other forms of research.

The disadvantages of questionnaires-------------

1. There is no way to tell how truthful a respondent is being.

2. There is no way of telling how much thought a respondent has put in.

3. The respondent may be forgetful or not thinking within the full context of the situation.

4. There is a level of researcher imposition, meaning that when developing the questionnaire, the researcher is making their own decisions and assumptions as to what is and is not important...therefore they may be missing something that is of importance.

5. Is argued to be inadequate to understand some forms of information - i.e. changes of emotions, behavior, feelings etc.

Observation----------Advantages of Observation--------1. Very direct method for collecting data or information – best for the study of human behavior..
2. Data collected is very accurate in nature and also very reliable.
3. Improves precision of the research results.
4. Problem of depending on respondents is decreased.
5. Helps in understanding the verbal response more efficiently.

Disadvantages of Observation --------------1. Problems of the past cannot be studied by means of observation.
2. Having no other option one has to depend on the documents available.
3. Observations like the controlled observations require some especial instruments or tools for effective working, which are very much costly.
4. One cannot study opinions by this means.
5. Attitudes cannot be studied with the help of observations