Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Practice Exam

Which of the following is considered a disadvantage of using surveys for data collection?

1. Ease of use and distribution

2. Personal interaction with respondents

3. Low response rate if conducted after the event

4. Immediate feedback from participants

The correct answer is: Low response rate if conducted after the event

The choosing of the response regarding low response rates when surveys are conducted after an event highlights a significant concern in data collection methodologies. When surveys are deployed post-event, there is often a diminished urgency or motivation for respondents to participate, particularly if the event has ended. Attendees might be less engaged or have moved on to other priorities, leading to a lower likelihood of them completing the survey. This can result in incomplete data and potentially bias in responses, as those who may have had a negative experience may be more motivated to respond than those satisfied with the event. On the other hand, ease of use and distribution, personal interaction with respondents, and immediate feedback are generally considered advantages in the use of surveys. Surveys are typically simple to disseminate and can reach a wide audience quickly. Personal interaction, while not a feature of surveys in the traditional sense, could add depth but is usually characteristic of methods like interviews. Immediate feedback is one of the key strengths of surveys, especially if conducted during or right after an event when participants' experiences are fresh in their minds.