In this method, enumerators themselves contact the respondents personally and getting response to the questions and fills the questionnaire. The advantages and disadvantages of this method are as follows:
Advantages:
- The complete, correct and more relevant imformation can be obtained from the respondents by enumerators.
- Enumerator can get proper information from the illiterate respondents providing proper explanations.
- Loss of questionnaire or receiving incomplete questionnaire do not arise because the enumerator collects the information personally.
- For the vast field under inquiry, accurate information can be obtained within stipulated period of time.
- Doubts arising in the minds of the respondents are resolved quickly on the spot because of the presence of enumerators.
Disadvantages:
- If the data is to be collected from a large area, large number of enumerators are to be employed resulting in higher cost.
- If expert numerators are not available for the inquiry, the task of training the appointed enumerators is not easy.
- To keep close watch on the work of enumerators, it is required to appoint supervisors. This would increase the cost.
- If the respondents are not educated, polite and sensible, it is likely that they may not cooperate with the enumerators and hide correct information from them.
- Since enumerators have to settle and also adjust the convenience of time with the respondent, more delay is likely to be caused.
