In which of the following research methods does the sample size have little impact on costs?
A) focus group interviews
B) personal interviews
C) mail surveys
D) Internet-based surveys
E) telephone surveys
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
D) Internet-based surveys
Explanation
In research methods, the sample size often influences the cost because larger samples require more time, effort, and resources for data collection. However, in Internet-based surveys, the cost is relatively independent of the sample size once the survey infrastructure is set up.
- Fixed Costs vs. Variable Costs
- In traditional survey methods like personal interviews, telephone surveys, and mail surveys, costs increase as the number of respondents grows. This is because additional time, manpower, and materials are needed.
- Internet-based surveys, on the other hand, mainly have fixed costs related to survey design, hosting, and distribution. Whether 100 people or 10,000 people respond, the additional cost per respondent is minimal.
- Automation and Scalability
- Internet-based surveys are highly scalable. The same digital questionnaire can be distributed to thousands of participants without additional costs beyond potential software subscription fees or advertising for participant recruitment.
- Unlike telephone or personal interviews, which require human effort for each response, online surveys are automated. This makes them cost-effective for large samples.
- No Printing or Mailing Costs
- Mail surveys involve costs for printing, postage, and data entry, all of which increase with sample size.
- Internet surveys eliminate these costs, as responses are collected electronically.
- Data Processing Efficiency
- Internet-based surveys allow for automatic data collection and analysis, reducing the need for manual data entry, which saves both time and money.
Thus, among the options given, Internet-based surveys are the most cost-effective method when sample size increases, making them the correct answer.