What is a disadvantage of using surveys and questionnaires?

Surveys and questionnaires are valuable tools for gathering information, but one of their significant disadvantages is the need for careful design. Crafting an effective survey or questionnaire involves meticulous attention to factors such as question wording, order, and response options. Poorly designed questions can lead to misleading results, misinterpretation, or low-quality data due to ambiguity or bias.

While some might assume that surveys guarantee high response rates, this is often not the case, as various elements such as survey length, timing, and perceived relevance can significantly influence participation. Additionally, while surveys are not inherently interactive, they can still provide effective means of capturing diverse viewpoints if designed well.