Survey-Nature-Goals-Characteristics-uses

What is Survey?
A survey is any activity that collects information in an organised and methodical manner about characteristics
of interest from some or all units of a population using well-defined concepts, methods and procedures, and
compiles such information into a useful summary form. In research of Human subjects, a survey is a list of
Questions aimed at extracting specific data from a particular group of people. Survey research is used to assess
thoughts, opinions, attitude and preference
(Cochran, W.G. 1977) A survey is any activity that collects information in an organized and methodical manner
about characteristics of interest from some or all units of a population using well-defined concepts, methods and
procedures, and compiles such information into a useful summary form.
Survey research is a method of collecting information by asking questions. Sometimes interviews are done face
to face with people at home, in school, or at work. Other time questions are sent in the mail for people to answer
and mail back. Increasingly surveys are conducted by telephone.

Nature of survey
Survey studies are usually used to find the fact by collecting the data directly from population or sample.
A survey usually begins with the need for information where no data – or insufficient data – exist.
Sometimes this need arises from within the statistical agency itself, and sometimes it results from a request from
an external client, which could be another government agency or department, or a private organization.
Typically, the statistical agency or the client wishes to study the characteristics of a population, build a database
for analytical purposes or test a hypothesis.
A survey can be thought to consist of several interconnected steps which include: defining the objectives,
selecting a survey frame, determining the sample design, designing the questionnaire, collecting and processing
the data, analysing and disseminating the data and documenting the survey. The life of a survey can be broken
down into several phases. The first is the planning phase, which is followed by the design and development
phase, and then the implementation phase. Finally, the entire survey process is reviewed and evaluated.

Goals of survey
To provide someone with information (to describe the situation).
1. To explain the situations (analytical surveys).
2. Problem identification and solving.
3. To measure the change.
4. To study attitudes, behavior and habits
5. To examine the cause-effect relationship.
6. To study the characteristics.
7. To formulate the hypothesis.
8. To test a hypothesis.
9. Decision making

CHARACTERISTICS OF SURVEYS
1) Representative sample
2) set of predetermined questions
3) Language should not be jargon

Uses of Survey
1. Assessment of feelings, thoughts and opinions.
2. Surveys can be specific and limited in scope or more global in their goals.
3. Generalization
4. Survey is used to get more candid and valid answer. And unlike other research methods, in survey
research it is clearly stated that survey answers will remain completely confidential.
5. Survey is used o meet more pragmatic needs of the media, such as, in evaluating political candidates,
public health officials, professional organizations and advertising and marketing directors.
6. Comparison
7. Surveys are useful in describing the characteristics of a large population.
8. Flexibility
9. Survey can explore characteristics in households, such as fertility, family structure and demographics.
10. Survey can be used when population of interest can be clearly defined and individual members
identified for the purpose of sampling.
11. Survey is used to determine which markets are a good fit for our existing products so we can expand
into those markets.
12. Survey method is used because primary data gathered through surveys are relatively easy to analyze.
13. Survey is used when matters of potential significance have been well elaborated and that the survey can
be well focused
14. Topographical maps showing hills, rivers, towns, villages, forests etc are prepared by surveying.
15. For planning and estimating new engineering projects like water supply and irrigation schemes, mines,
railroads, bridges, transmission lines, buildings etc. surveying is required.
16. To determining different strata in the earth crust, geological surveys are required.
17. For exploring mineral wealth, mine survey is necessary.
18. The best way to determine whether results of a survey are biased is to examine the survey procedures
and analyses.