Survey Research | Definition, Examples & Methods

One of the most widely used methods for research in the different areas such as medical, social science, healthcare, education and humanities is survey research. It generally involves data collection methods, questionnaires, Pre-defined format, interviews to gain deep knowledge and information from the public. But the question here arises: what is survey research? In this blog post we will guide you throughout about survey research definition, survey research methods, survey methodology and types of survey research for your easy understanding. Let’s Begin!

What Is Survey Research? An Introduction to the Basics

Survey research is the technique of collecting valuable information from a group of individuals in the field of social science, behaviour, medical, economics, education and healthcare, using questionnaires to collect information, opinions, experiences, behaviour and features. The survey research definition: “A quantitative technique of collecting data from the sample population with the objective of generalising the findings to a wider group of individuals”. This process helps researchers to gather a large amount of information quickly, grasp into detail in one of the economic methods. It saves a lot of time, energy and cost of the research.

Understanding the Different Types of Survey Research

There are many types of survey research, each suited to a different situation depending on the objective of the research. All of them are described below:

Descriptive Survey Research Method:

This is the type of the survey research method in which the researcher gathers the information and data on the current state or situation. For example: Finding the public view on the latest issues in public, customer satisfaction level for some new product launch recently and more of the recent topic going in the general.

Cross- Sectional Survey Research Method:

This is the type of the survey research method in which at a single point of time a survey is conducted to provide a snapshot of the whole population.

Longitudinal Survey Research:

Here the survey is repeated over the time with the same people to track several changes and new trends take place during the course of time.

Analytical Survey Research:

The type of the survey research where relationships between different variables is explored, often involving hypothesis testing and exploring causes. By knowing the types of survey research method we can select the most suitable format based on our research goals.

Key Survey Research Methods: How to Choose the Right One

Survey Research Methods are the ways through which different types of data is collected from different participants. The various survey research methods are following:

1. Telephone survey Method: This method is useful for reaching specific areas but may include lower response rate due to caller ID screening.
2. Online surveys: This is a cost and time effective method which is useful for a broad audience. Tools like Survey Monkey, Google Forms are popular for this work.
3. Postal Surveys: This is used in some contexts, especially where internet access is very limited or some old areas are targeted.
4. Face-to-Face Interviews: This offered to some rich areas as it was costly, and time consuming. While choosing a survey methodology, summarize your budget, time available and the limit of the other resources for the level of the data required in the survey.

The Importance of Survey Design in Research

A proper Survey Design in Research is essential for gathering valid and reliable data as poor design can lead to biased answers, misleading results and low response rates. The key principles of good survey design in research are following:

1. Provide balance answer choice
2. Use clear, concise, unbiased language
3. Helps in grouping the same type of questions together for logical flow.
4. Prevent Double barrelled enquiry questions.Enhance the quality of survey research in the research methodology.
5. Survey research in research methodology is one of the widely used processes for gathering the data from large areas. This is especially used in public health areas, social science, marketing, and other fields where there is need for a target population.

How to Create an Effective Survey Questionnaire

Creating an effective survey sample questionnaire is not big deal it is an art and a science that involve following steps:

1. Define and state your research objectives precisely.

2. Try to opt for the correct and right questions type for your survey both end and open insights.

3.Try to do a pilot test on some small area for identifying confusing questions.

4. Keep the survey questions short and simple as most people prefer to participate in a survey which takes under 10 minutes.

5. Make sure of anonymity and Confidentiality to pass honest responses.

Survey Sampling: Choosing the Right Participants

Sampling refers to the opting of a portion of the population for presenting the whole population for research, in survey research, sampling methods determine how perfect your outcomes will be in the research process. Survey research in research methodology can be conducted through various phases, including calls, face-to-face interviews, oral questionnaires and online forms.

Types of Survey sampling:

1. Random Sampling: Here everyone has an equal opportunity of selection for sampling.
2. Quota Sampling: These ensure some specific features are represented to sample.
3. Convenience Sampling: Participants in the survey are selected on the basis of availability.
4. Stratified Sampling: The population is divided into some small groups and samples are taken from every group.

Online vs. Offline Survey Research: Pros and Cons

Opting from both methods depends on the goal and objective of the survey method.

Examples of Survey Research in Various Fields

Let’s look at some of examples of survey research in different areas:

1. Education: To check the teaching method effectiveness student feedback is taken and a survey is conducted.

2. Human resources: Some surveys are taken for knowing employee engagement to measure the workplace morale.

3.Healthcare: Survey is done to check the level of satisfaction of patients to improve the service delivery.

4. Marketing: Customer survey is done to check the product preference and choice of the customer.

5. Government: National surveys and opinion polls are taken to advance public facilities and to make some policy decisions.

These examples of survey research demonstrate its importance and versatility in decision making across fields.

Challenges and Limitations of Survey Research

While Survey Research is powerful method but includes some of the limitations describe below:

1. Misinterpretation of questions: This leads to inaccurate responses.
2. Non-response bias: Some of the groups in case not participating remain underrepresented.
3. Social Desirability bias: Respondent gives answers that are socially acceptable which is wrong.
4. Limited depth: Research Surveys lack the importance of qualitative interviews.

Conclusion

Survey research is relevant for data collection for both professional and personal goals. It offers flexibility to gather deep knowledge from the sample size. Make sure to invest your time in making proper survey research design to enhance the quality of survey research and avoid much time and cost in survey. The survey questionnaire is the heart of survey research methodology which should be prepared with care and proper guidance. Choosing between online vs. offline survey research depends on objectives of the research, time available and resource limitation. Be aware of challenges, choose the right survey methodology, craft useful questionnaires for the survey research for better planning and interpret findings with proper guidelines.