What is an interview schedule? Explain its merits and demerits and how it differs from a questionnaire.

1. 1 · Open with a definition. An interview schedule is a form of fixed questions that a trained interviewer asks face to face and fills in.
2. 2 · Types of interview. Structured (schedule) and unstructured (interview guide); Kothari adds focused, clinical and telephone interviews.
3. 3 · Field steps. Prepare the schedule, train enumerators, pre-test, build rapport, ask and record, edit forms the same day.
4. 4 · Merits.
   • Works with illiterate respondents.
   • High response rate.
   • Doubts explained on the spot.
   • Identity known.
   • Observation possible.
5. 5 · Demerits.
   • Costly and slow.
   • Needs trained enumerators.
   • Interviewer bias.
   • Less frank answers on sensitive topics.
6. 6 · Draw the comparison table. [Table: questionnaire vs schedule: filled by, literacy, cost, response, doubts, coverage, success depends on]
7. 7 · Nutrition example. NNMB and NFHS diet surveys and the 24-hour recall use trained interviewers with schedules.
8. 8 · Close in one line. Choose the schedule when respondents cannot read or when complete, accurate answers matter more than cost.

Scoring tip: The comparison table is the heart of this answer. Give at least six points.