Week 4
QNT 561
November 1, 2010
Lee Chang
Question 5
In the following situations, decide whether you would use a personal interview, telephone survey, or self-administered questionnaire. Give your reasons. a) A survey of the residents of a new subdivision on why they happened to select that area in which to live. You also wish to secure some information about what they like and do not like about life in the subdivision.
In this situation I would use a personal interview to acquire the desired information. Many subdivisions have an interview process before with the association to fit the required profile of the neighborhood and some of the information can be obtained at the initial interview. After some time passes a follow up interview can be conducted to acquire the rest of the information. In addition minimal staff is needed to conduct the surveys and get the information which means a lower cost. This will also lead to good cooperation from the new residents of the sub-division.
b.) A poll of students at Metro University on their preferences among three candidates who are running for president of the student government.
For this situation I would choose a personal interview. On many campuses these types of surveys are administered by a volunteer student group. The use of the groups means less overhead costs making the personal interviews favorable and able to endure for weeks before the vote. For the participants there will be a higher level of cooperation as opposed to telephone and or self-administered survey. In addition follow-up question can be asked leading to more in-depth analysis of the perception of the candidates. The only disadvantage in this situation would be participants unwillingness to talk to strangers on campus.
b) A survey of 58 wholesale grocery companies, scattered over the eastern United States, on their personnel management policies for warehouse personnel.
For surveying 58 grocery companies
References: Cooper, D.R. & Schindler, P.S. (2006). Business research methods (9th ed.). Boston: McGraw Hill/Irwin.