How do questionnaires allow for a larger sample size in research?

Questionnaires allow for a larger sample size in research primarily because they can reach a vast audience quickly. This is largely due to their design, which can be distributed over various mediums such as online platforms, print media, or in person. When researchers utilize digital formats, for instance, they can send out surveys to numerous participants simultaneously, thus facilitating a rapid collection of data from diverse demographic groups.

The ability to reach many people effectively enhances the research's representativeness and validity, as it can encompass a broader spectrum of experiences and opinions. Furthermore, the convenience of filling out a questionnaire often encourages more participants to engage, leading to higher response rates compared to more time-consuming methods.

The other options do not explain the capability of questionnaires to gather a larger sample size effectively. Immediate responses can be a feature but do not necessarily correlate with the size of the sample gathered. High distribution costs would limit the sample size rather than expand it, and focusing on nominal data does not inherently relate to sample size but rather to the type of data collected.