Survey Research Methods: Which is the Most Expensive?

Which of the following survey research methods is the most expensive?

A. telephone interview

B. mall intercept personal interview

C. door-to-door personal interview

D. mail survey

Final answer:

The most expensive survey research method is typically the door-to-door personal interview.

Explanation:

The method of survey research that tends to be the most expensive is the door-to-door personal interview. In this method, organizations like Gallup or Roper must select households or polling locations and then navigate to them, which can be time-consuming and costly. Compared to telephone interviews or mall intercept personal interviews, the face-to-face interaction of door-to-door interviewing requires more resources. This includes the time of the interviewers, traveling costs, and several attempts to reach respondents who might not answer on the first try.

Mail surveys may be cheaper than door-to-door personal interviews because they only require the cost of postage and printing, but they might have lower response rates. On the other hand, telephone and online interviews can reach a larger population more quickly and at a lower cost, but may not be as personalized or thorough as face-to-face interviews.

So, the next time you're considering conducting a survey, keep in mind that the door-to-door personal interview method might be the most joyful, but it comes with a hefty price tag!

Survey research methods play a crucial role in gathering data and insights from a target audience. When it comes to determining the most expensive method, various factors come into play. The door-to-door personal interview method stands out as the most costly option due to its requirements for in-person interaction.

In contrast, telephone interviews and mall intercept personal interviews are relatively less expensive as they don't involve the same level of resource-intensive face-to-face interaction. Mail surveys, while cost-effective in terms of logistics, may lack the personal touch and higher response rates of more direct methods.

When selecting a survey research method, it's essential to consider the balance between cost, reach, and depth of data collection. While door-to-door personal interviews may be on the pricier side, they offer valuable insights and a personalized touch that can be worth the investment depending on the research goals.