Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
The direct interview method is a primary data collection technique in which the interviewer asks questions directly to the respondent. Here are some merits and demerits of the direct interview method:
Merits:
High response rate: In direct interviews, the response rate is usually high as the interviewer can clarify any questions or doubts that the respondent may have.
More in-depth information: The direct interview method allows the interviewer to ask open-ended questions and explore more in-depth information from the respondents.
Personal connection: Direct interviews enable the interviewer to build a personal connection with the respondents, which can lead to more honest and accurate responses.
Flexibility: The interviewer can adjust the questions or the interview structure to accommodate any changes or new information that may arise during the interview.
Demerits:
Costly and time-consuming: Direct interviews can be expensive and time-consuming to conduct, especially if the sample size is large.
Interviewer bias: The interviewer may unintentionally influence the responses of the respondents through their tone, behavior, or even the phrasing of the questions.
Social desirability bias: Respondents may provide socially desirable answers rather than honest ones, especially if they feel that their responses may be judged or evaluated.
Limited sample size: Direct interviews are often conducted on a smaller sample size compared to other methods such as surveys or questionnaires, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
In summary, the direct interview method has its merits and demerits, and researchers must consider these factors while deciding whether to use this method for primary data collection.