What is an advantage of using questionnaires in research?

One of the key advantages of using questionnaires in research is their flexibility in incorporating a mix of question types. This allows researchers to gather both quantitative and qualitative data, tailoring their questions to suit the objectives of the study. For example, researchers can include closed-ended questions for statistical analysis alongside open-ended questions that provide rich, descriptive data. This variety helps to capture a more comprehensive picture of the research topic, and it can enhance the validity of the results by accommodating different research needs and participant preferences.

Additionally, the ability to use various question types can engage participants more effectively, improving response rates and the richness of the data collected. This versatility is a significant asset in many research scenarios, making questionnaires a popular tool among psychologists and social scientists.