I would prefer electronic surveys, because it saves times, easy to distribute, and easy to analyze. However, many participants have problems with using electronic devises.

Halmat Faieeq D Mahmood Thank you for your reply. This is a common issue we run into. The devices are not that intuitive.

Vishnu Kumar Gupta Thanks for sharing... there are pros and cons to both! Point noted. I am in your camp, I do prefer to administer electronic surveys.

Hi Crystal,

I hope you are doing well! I have used both paper and electronic survey research methods. Here are a few pros and cons to each in my experience.

Pros of paper-based collection:

• Easy to administer
• Does not require computer skills to navigate (i.e., good for populations that have trouble using technology such as the young and elderly)
• Allows for closer monitoring of responses because one can see the questions and answers as the participants fill them out
• More difficult to lose the data (i.e., one cannot accidentally delete the data)

Cons of paper-based collection:

• Tedious to enter into analysis prgram
• More prone to human errors
• Storage of the data takes up physical space
• Uses a lot of paper

Pros of electronic-based collection:

• Saves a good deal of time
• Saves paper
• Can reach a wider audience through electronic dissemination
• Can use logic and other survey research techniques not possible in paper forms

Cons of electronic-based collection:

• More challenging to monitor, which is why researchers use attention checks
• Data can be deleted and lost more easily
• Surveys can be difficult to navigate for some populations
• Can be prone to bots, which is why captcha should be used

Generally, I prefer electronic administration as well.

Hope this helps!

Best,

Bryant

If you can participants to fill in the questionnaire the electronic surveying accelerates the procedure of research significantly.

Bryant M Stone Hi there! Thank you for such a well thought-out response. We all appreciate you going into the pros and cons for each!

Babak Jamshidi I agree with you... the data analysis process goes much faster.

Dear Crystal Maraj

I agree with Bryant M Stone points. I would add that in my experience the choice of type depends on the research design and the public to be interviewed.

for example, in my researchs with farmers, I have observed that electronic surveys have a much lower response rate and a higher number of incomplete questionnaires. In this case, internet access and informatics skills are major barriers, and paper questionnaires are more efficient.

But if there is a possibility in the research context of using both, I prefer the electronic one.

Best Regards

I bet for electronic surveys.

In special cases, interviews may be needed,

to complete a personal profile.

Stephen I. Ternyik Excellent point! Interviews fall into the qualitative bracket which can benefit from open ended questions and follow-up questions.

Dear Crystal Maraj!

Thank you very much for the question!

They complement each other. For example, during a paper survey, as a rule, there is live communication with respondents, you can explain something, clarify, etc. In addition, this type of survey can be easily combined with interviews, conversations, and other methods. And e-polling can close the problem of respondents not being in the right place at the right time.

Best wishes only!

With deep respect, Vоlоdymyr Naumchuk

Volodymyr Naumchuk All valid points, and I appreciate your thoughts on it being complementary rather than either...or...

Each one of them has its pros and cons, and each one of them has a necessity. There is a necessity in case you want to read a reaction closely or a personal interview