Table 3.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Commonly Used Modes of Survey Questionnaire Administration

Mode of Administration	Advantages	Disadvantages
Internet	Less expensive and less time-consuming than other modes; as a result, may allow for a larger sample size relative to other modes; usually anonymous, so potentially greater likelihood of accurate responses, particularly for questions about potentially sensitive topics	May require valid e-mail addresses (if this is how study participants will be informed of the survey); requires that study participant have access to a computer and be computer literate; participant is unable to ask for clarification of questions if confused
Telephone	Study participant is able to ask for clarification; may yield higher response rate than mailed or Internet-based surveys	Requires valid telephone numbers to contact participants; interviewer must be adequately trained to administer the questionnaire; can be time-consuming; potentially lower likelihood of accurate responses, particularly for questions about potentially sensitive topics
In-person	Study participant is able to ask for clarification; may yield higher response rate than mailed or Internet-based surveys	Expensive and time-consuming; interviewer must be adequately trained to administer the questionnaire; potentially lower likelihood of accurate responses, particularly for questions about potentially sensitive topics
Mail	Anonymous, so potentially greater likelihood of accurate responses, particularly for questions about potentially sensitive topics; less time-consuming than telephone or in-person	Can be expensive, depending on sample size of the study, number of survey reminders mailed, and number of return postage-paid envelopes provided to study participants; administration requires valid mailing addresses