Surveys can be filled out by program participants themselves in a paper or electronic/online format or can be administered out loud by an interviewer or facilitator.
Self-administered

Strengths:
  • Saves time
  • Does not require an interviewer to be present
  • Does not risk interviewer bias
  • Offers the possibility of anonymity and privacy
Limitations:
  • Variations in literacy levels can influence results, and respondents do not have the chance to clarify questions they don't understand.

Interviewer-administered

Strengths:
  • Likely to have fewer incomplete responses
  • Fewer misunderstood questions because respondents can ask clarifying questions
  • Opportunity for the interviewer to observe completion
Limitations:
  • Interviewers may introduce bias and the process is time-consuming.