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Survey Methodology

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16 views

Survey Methodology

Uploaded by

gullsamha
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Survey Methodology:

A survey is a systematic approach to gathering people's opinions on a scientific problem, aimed at


exploring its underlying causes and related issues. Questions in a survey can be presented orally or in
written form, making it the most commonly used research method in contemporary times. It is the
preferred method for collecting data on people's preferences, social problems, and various societal
conditions. The roots of this method trace back to 18th-century England when individuals directly shared
their opinions on specific issues. However, due to limitations in terms of time and resources, the 20th
century saw a shift towards collecting responses from a selected group of individuals. This survey
methodology is not limited to psychology but is also widely employed in other fields such as agriculture,
sociology, economics, politics, and many aspects of daily life.

For the purpose of study, surveys can be categorized into two types:

1. Descriptive Surveys

2. Exploratory Surveys

Exploratory Surveys can further be divided into:


 Developmental Surveys

 Interrelated Surveys

Developmental Surveys can be categorized as:


 Longitudinal Surveys

 Cross-sectional Surveys

Survey Stages:
Just like in experimental research, a survey requires careful planning and involves multiple stages. The
process of identifying and structuring these stages is referred to as a survey plan. A survey plan typically
comprises the following steps:

1. Formulation of the Problem: Defining the problem is the starting point of any survey. The
problem should be relevant in psychological, social, or economic contexts, and the information
should be accessible. The formulation of the problem should ultimately contribute to addressing and
resolving issues.

Goal/Objective:
Clear objectives should be established, explaining the survey's purpose and how the collected
information will help address psychological, social, or economic problems. This stage may also lead to
the formation of hypotheses, which are potential solutions to the problem at hand.

2. Population and Sampling: The population includes all individuals relevant to the problem.
Since it's impractical to collect data from the entire population, a subset, known as a sample, is
selected. Various sampling techniques are employed to ensure the sample accurately represents the
population.

3. Survey Tool: Surveys can be conducted through questionnaires or interviews. Questionnaires


should feature clear and simple language, avoid ambiguity, stay focused on the survey's purpose, and
respect respondents' privacy. They can contain both closed-ended and open-ended questions.
Interviews can be structured or unstructured, allowing for flexibility in the conversation.

4. Data Collection: This stage involves the actual process of collecting data from the selected
sample. Methods include distributing questionnaires, conducting interviews in person, over the
phone, or via other means, depending on the survey's objectives and constraints.

5. Data Analysis: Once data is collected, it needs to be organized and analyzed. Statistical tools and
techniques are often used to draw meaningful insights from the data, allowing researchers to test
hypotheses and explore relationships.
6. Results: The analysis leads to results, which determine whether hypotheses are supported and if
cause-and-effect relationships are established. Survey results also generate recommendations for
addressing issues identified during the survey.

Advantages of Survey Methodology


 It's a widely used, accessible, and cost-effective research method.

 Surveys have broad applicability beyond psychology.

 Results obtained from a well-constructed sample can be generalized to the entire population.

 Surveys can be conducted without the need for highly specialized personnel.

 Surveys offer the option of gathering information from illiterate individuals.

 Surveys can be labor-intensive.

Critiques of Survey Methodology


 Surveys can be labor-intensive.

 Sample selection can be challenging.

 Pre-set questionnaires may limit free expression of opinions.


 Postal surveys may yield low response rates.

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