Questionnaire vs Interview

Questionnaires and Interviews
Questionnaires and interviews offer different strengths and weaknesses. In general, questionnaires are seen as a more objective research tool because its results are generalizable over large sample sizes. The problem with it is that it can lead to inaccurate results due to faulty questionnaire design, sampling errors, non-response and respondent unreliability and errors in coding and processing. On the other hand, interviews are a more personal tool, with its data collected through personal interactions with the respodents. It enables respondent to elaborate on their ideas, and explain their perspectives. Researchers are also able to ask followup questions, hence enabling him to get the context and meaning behind the words used by the respondent. The disadvantage of this data gathering tool is that it is prone to researcher bias where the interviewer can ask leading questions or manipulate the answers of respondents because results are negotiated and contextually based.
Both questionnaires and interviews are used in the health care system, particularly in patient admissions. Through the patient admission form, heal...