What are the disadvantages of Telephone Interviews?

This method of collecting information consists contacting information consists contacting respondents on telephone itself. It is not a very widely used method, but plays important role in industrial surveys in developed regions.

Disadvantages

1. Little time is given to respondents to answer, as these types of interviews do not last for more than 5 minutes.
2. Survey is restricted to people who have telephones.
3. Cost plays a major part in extensive geographical coverage.
4. It is not suitable for interviews having comprehensive answers to various questions.
5. Some extent of interviewer’s bias exists.
6. Questions have to be short and probes are difficult to handle.