The Disadvantages of Telephone Interviews Compared to Face-to-Face Surveys
Which of the following is a disadvantage of telephone interviews when compared with face-to-face survey methods?
The disadvantage of telephone interviews, when compared with face-to-face survey methods, is that they have high interview refusal rates. This means that a larger percentage of individuals contacted for a telephone interview may decline to participate compared to face-to-face surveys. One reason for this is that individuals may be more skeptical or cautious about participating in a survey over the phone, as there is less opportunity to establish trust or credibility compared to a face-to-face interaction. Additionally, some individuals may be wary of unsolicited phone calls or may feel uncomfortable sharing personal information over the phone. For example, imagine you are conducting a survey on a sensitive topic, such as personal finances. Some people may not feel comfortable discussing their financial situation over the phone with a stranger, and therefore may refuse to participate in the telephone interview. It is important to note that this disadvantage is not exclusive to telephone interviews, as face-to-face surveys may also experience refusal rates. However, the refusal rates tend to be higher for telephone interviews. To summarize, a disadvantage of telephone interviews when compared with face-to-face survey methods is their high interview refusal rates. This can be attributed to factors such as skepticism, discomfort, and concerns about privacy and trust.