Definition :
One of the quantitative data collection methods is mail survey; In this method, the questionnaire is sent to the respondent through the postal system. The respondent automatically completes the questionnaire without the intervention of the interviewer and sends it back to the researcher by post.
Application of Mail Survey:
– When there is access to the full name or postal address of members of the target community.
– When the respondents have the literacy to answer the questions.
– When the respondents are interested in the research topic; For example, improving brand quality
– When there is no time limit to run the survey.
– When the questionnaire questions are simple and understandable.
Advantages:
Cost-effectiveness: mail surveys do not require a lot of manpower. It is less expensive compared to telephone and face-to-face surveys.
Geographical classification: This method can target different segments of the population.
Honesty: Generally, respondents express their opinions more easily through writing.
Convenience: Participants in a mail survey are free to complete the questionnaire at the time they need, which leads to more comprehensive and complete answers.
Ability to ask long questions with images: This ability helps respondents to answer specific questions.
Limitations:
_ Coverage error: There is a possibility that the mailing lists of the target community are incomplete.
_ Low response rate: Mail surveys typically produce a response rate of 3-15%.
_ Questionnaire design: The questions should be brief, clear, and precise.
_ Respondents: Young children, disabled or sick people, illiterate or low-educated people, etc. cannot be among the respondents of this method.
_ Management: The researchers have no control over the completeness of the answers or the return of the questionnaires.
