What is a major disadvantage of field research?

Field research is a primary data collection method that involves gathering information directly from the environment or participants. While it can provide rich, qualitative insights, one of its major disadvantages is that it is often expensive and time-consuming. This is because field research typically requires significant resources, including travel expenses, materials, hiring staff, and investing time in planning, conducting, and analyzing the research.

Moreover, participants may need to be recruited and managed, logistics have to be arranged, and there can be various administrative tasks involved, all of which can add to the overall cost and duration of the research effort. This investment in time and money can be a crucial factor for businesses, especially when they are working within budget constraints or tight timelines.

In summary, the correct answer highlights the significant limitations that field research has regarding its operational demands, illustrating why many organizations may seek alternative data collection methods that can be more efficient or cost-effective.