Self-guided, mail-in surveys are logistically one of the easiest survey modes to implement. Mail-in surveys are also one of the most affordable options, as they can be used to survey a large sample at a low cost (Franklin and Walker, 2010).
Kosinska, J. (2018). Envelope paper. Unsplash.
Here are some of the pros and cons of mail-in surveys.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Logistical ease | Slow response rate |
| Relatively low cost | Relatively lower response rate |
| Can collect data from large samples | May need to follow-up with respondents |
| Useful for addressing sensitive topics | Potential for error because of self-guided nature |
With a mail-in survey, the participant must read the instructions and move through the questionnaire on their own. As such, there is a risk that respondents may not understand the questionnaire, particularly for surveys containing complex topics or multiple skip patterns. Generally, mail-in questionnaires work best for straightforward topics with minimal possibility for misinterpretation (Franklin and Walker, 2010).
Like other forms of self-guided surveys, mail-in questionnaires are also useful for asking about sensitive topics that a respondent may not want to discuss directly with an interviewer. With no interviewer present, mail-in questionnaires are also at a low-risk of interviewer effects—having the interviewer’s presence change a participant’s answers.
But, this method may result in a decreased response rate if respondents forget about or ignore a questionnaire that is sent to them in the mail. Additionally, mail-in questionnaires are one of the slowest survey modes for data collection, as you have to wait for the participant to receive it, take the survey, and for it to arrive back to you. Additionally, although it does take extra work and time on the part of the researcher, follow-ups are typically sent through the mail or by phone to ensure an adequate survey response rate (Franklin and Walker, 2010).
