What is a disadvantage of questionnaires?

Questionnaires are a common research method, but they come with certain disadvantages. One significant drawback is that respondents may not interpret questions correctly. This misinterpretation can lead to inaccurate responses, which can skew the results of the research. Such discrepancies often arise due to ambiguities in wording, different cultural understandings, or varying levels of familiarity with the topic being examined. As a result, the validity and reliability of the data collected can be compromised, making it difficult for researchers to draw accurate conclusions based on the findings.

In contrast, the other choices highlight certain advantages or characteristics that do not reflect disadvantages. For example, being completed asynchronously is a benefit of questionnaires, as it allows respondents to fill them out at their own convenience, potentially leading to improved participation rates. The ability to allow for detailed follow-up questions is not applicable to traditional questionnaires, which are typically structured; this characteristic is more common in qualitative interviews. Finally, the notion that questionnaires always guarantee a high return rate is misleading; return rates can vary widely and often depend on factors like design, the target population, and the incentive for completion.