American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What is a drawback of in-person surveys?

1. They provide quick results

2. They are often biased and very expensive

3. They cannot capture qualitative data

4. They rely heavily on technology

The correct answer is: They are often biased and very expensive

In-person surveys can indeed be costly and prone to bias, making this option the most accurate description of a significant drawback associated with this method. Conducting surveys in person typically involves expenses related to staffing, travel, materials, and potentially incentivizing participants. This can limit the reach and diversity of responses due to budget constraints, leading to a sample that may not accurately represent the broader population. Additionally, bias can enter the equation through various means, such as interviewer influence, the environment in which the survey is conducted, or the self-selection of participants. These factors can skew the results, making the findings less reliable or generalizable. The other options present different aspects of survey methodologies. Quick results might be seen in fast, simple in-person engagements, but they don't capture the inherent financial and bias concerns. While in-person surveys can capture qualitative data through open-ended questions and personal interactions, the claim that they cannot do so is inaccurate. Lastly, relying heavily on technology typically pertains to online or digital surveys rather than in-person methods, where technology might play a minimal role compared to traditional approaches.