Definition
Survey is a research tool
used to collect specific data from population of interest based on pre-decided
objectives in order to establish correlation and causal relationships.
Note: In India census is the
biggest survey conducted every ten years.
Introduction
It’s a primary data extracting technique.
Earlier it was employed to know the attitude and opinion of general populace
regarding some issue or policy decision. In modern time the use of digital
technology in data analysis, made survey one of the most frequently used
methods of data collection and subsequently making crucial decisions based on
the results. It has evolved into a
credible and decisive data collecting device. Social sciences more often employ
this method to collect large amount of data to understand various psycho-social
problems. Survey method uses various techniques for collection of required information.
Types-cum-Data Collection
Techniques of Survey
1. Personal Interview
(a) Structured interview
(b) Unstructured interview
Personal interview is a
technique of face to face or using information & communication technology
to collect information. An interview is a purposeful activity conducted to derive
factual information, opinions and attitudes, and reasons for particular behaviour,
etc. from the respondents (NCERT).
(a) Structured
Interview – The schedule of questions to be asked and their standard
responses are prepared beforehand. These questions are known as close ended
questions. The interviewee is systematically asked questions from the schedule
only. In structured interview the interviewer is not suppose to ask questions
beyond the list. Also known as formal or standard interview. E.g. interview for
employment. Advantages – Easy to conduct and results can be replicated and have
good reliability.
Disadvantages – Fixed
and rigid in their approach.
(b) Unstructured Interview – In
structured interview the interviewer is at liberty to ask questions pertaining
to the objective of the interview. Neither sequence nor the strict wordings are
prescribed in this type of interview. These questions are known as open ended
questions. Similarly the responses are also not fixed.
Advantages – Flexible
& provide freedom to both interviewer and interviewee in asking questions
and responses. Deep details can be obtained.
Disadvantages –
Uneconomical in terms of time and money. The skilled interviewer is required to
conduct such interviews.
2. Questionnaire
(a) Direct Questionnaire
(b) Questionnaire through Post
It is the most often,
convenient and economical survey method. It is a set of skilfully prepared set
of questions designed to extract information regarding a trait, attitude,
belief or an opinion. The respondents are required to mark their answers at
response sheet provided for the purpose. Questionnaire can have open as well as
close ended questions. They are used for collection of qualitative and
quantitative data. The demographical information is also collected through
questionnaires.
(a) Direct
Questionnaire – When the set of questions is directly handed over to the
individual or a group of individuals for their response.
(b) Questionnaire
through Post – When the set of questions is sent by post to the
individual or a group of individuals along with a reply envelop.
Advantages – Easy to
conduct and results can be replicated and have good reliability.
Disadvantages – Fixed
& limited scope for both interviewer and interviewee.
3. Telephonic
Survey – The methodology of asking a set of questions and recording
the responses of a individual over the telephone is known as telephonic survey.
Advantages – Easy to collect data
from long distances and economical in terms of money, time and labour. Easy to
extract information from a specific people.
Disadvantages – Difficult to ask long questions, the individual may hang
up the line if gets frustrated, it may be considered privacy intrusion.
4. E-mail
Survey – It is similar to survey by post, the only difference is
that the set of questions or web link is sent by electronic mail.
Advantages – Fast and
easy to collect data from long distances and economical in terms of money, time
and labour. Easy to extract information from specific people. The individuals
who are surveyed are answering the questions as per their convenient.
Disadvantages – It is
restricted to those who are well conversed with Information and communication
technology and have active internet connection. Not possible to collect data
from countryside, tribal living in the forests or hilly areas etc. where there
is no internet infrastructure.
5. Online
(Web based) survey – The use of ICT tools to collect data from
individuals. Web-based surveys, or e-surveys, are surveys designed and
delivered using the internet (Maymone et al. 2018). Various software, web based
platforms, applications are available for online surveys which are known as
survey builder tools. There are specific websites that regularly conduct online
surveys for their clients. Considering the application of digital revolution
online survey is the need of the hour.
Advantages – Data
collection from long distances and large number of people is economical in
terms of money, time and labour. Easy to extract information from a specific
people. Easy to fill forms with just few clicks, results are instant,
correction in responses are easy to make, saves paper and people can answer
with their convenience.
Disadvantages – Limited
to digitally literate population, not possible to collect data from
countryside, tribal living in the forests or hilly areas etc. where there is no
internet infrastructure.
Scope of Use of Survey Research
1. Government agencies such as
census, National Sample Survey Organization, Economic Survey etc.
2. Academic Survey such as
enrolment in schools & colleges etc.
3. Survey for research by
psychology and other social sciences.
4. Vegetation surveys to know
the spread of biodiversity.
5. Marketing agencies conduct
survey to assess the needs and demands of a product.
6. Survey to study the
topography of a landscape.
7. Survey for management of
natural resources.
8. Survey by political parties
such as to assess the mood of electors.
9. Survey by International
organizations such as survey by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
10. Feedback surveys to measure
the response pattern, satisfaction level etc. of customers or users.
Reference:
1. NCERT, XI Psychology Text
book.
2. Maymone, M. B. C.,
Venkatesh, S., Secemsky, E., Reddy, K., & Vashi, N. A. (2018). Research
Techniques Made Simple: Web-Based Survey Research in Dermatology: Conduct and
Applications. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 138(7), 1456–1462.
doi:10.1016/j.jid.2018.02.032.
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