What is a Survey? Definition and Examples

A Survey is a method used to gather information from a group of people, often to understand their opinions, experiences, or behaviors. This information is usually collected through a series of questions that participants answer.

We can conduct surveys in various ways, such as online, over the phone, by mail, email, or in person.

The Cambridge Dictionary has the following definition of the word ‘survey’ and an example sentence:

“An examination of opinions, behaviour, etc., made by asking people questions. Example: ‘A recent survey found/revealed/showed that 58 percent of people did not know where their heart is.'”

Why Use Surveys?

Surveys are a valuable tool because they allow you to collect data from a large number of people quickly and efficiently. This group of people is often referred to as a sample population.

Whether you’re a business owner looking to understand customer satisfaction or a researcher studying a specific topic, surveys provide a way to gather insights that can guide your decisions.

By using a survey, you can identify trends, measure opinions, gather feedback on specific products or services, assess customer satisfaction, and even predict future behaviors.

Illustrations of various types of surveys plus a written definition of the term.
Image created by Market Business News.

Types

There are various types of surveys, each suited to different needs. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types:

  • Questionnaires

These are written surveys where participants fill out their answers, usually through a list of questions. Questionnaires can be distributed online, through email, or as paper forms.

Questionnaires are commonly used by businesses for customer feedback, researchers for studies, and healthcare providers to assess patient experiences.

  • Interviews

In this type, you ask participants questions directly, either face-to-face or over the phone. Interviews allow for more in-depth responses and follow-up questions.

Interviews are often used by HR (human resources) for hiring, journalists for news stories, and researchers for in-depth qualitative insights.

  • Polls

These are short surveys, often with just one or two questions, aimed at getting a quick snapshot of opinions. We commonly refer to them as opinion polls.

Political parties commonly use polls, especially during their election campaigns, to help them determine how well or badly they are doing and what topics they should focus on.

Census Surveys

Unlike other surveys, a census aims to gather information from every member of a population rather than a sample. This is more comprehensive but also more time-consuming and expensive.

Governments typically conduct censuses to collect data on demographics, housing, employment, education, and other key areas to inform policy decisions, allocate resources, and plan for the future.

The English word ‘census’ comes from the Latin word census, which means ‘a registration of citizens and their property.’

Designing a Survey

When creating a survey, it’s important to keep your questions clear and concise. Avoid complex or leading questions that could confuse participants or influence their answers. Instead, use simple language and straightforward questions.

For example, instead of asking, “What are your thoughts on our customer service?” you could ask, “How satisfied are you with our customer service?” This approach makes it easier for participants to understand and respond accurately.

Your goal is to obtain honest responses, so it’s crucial that your questions remain neutral; otherwise, you risk influencing participants’ answers, which could compromise the validity of your results.

Additionally, consider the length of your survey. If it’s too long, participants may lose interest and not complete it. A well-designed survey is typically short, focused, and easy to complete, increasing the likelihood of getting valuable responses.

Analyzing the Results

After collecting survey responses, the next step is to analyze the data. This can involve looking for patterns or trends in the answers, calculating averages, comparing responses across different groups, or evaluating changes in opinions by comparing the results with previous surveys.

The insights you gain from analyzing survey data can help you make informed decisions, improve products or services, and better understand the needs and preferences of your audience.

Surveys – Brief History

Surveys have been around for many thousands of years. The first instance of a survey that we know of occurred in ancient Egypt. Egyptian authorities conducted a form of land survey about 3000 BC (5,000 years ago) to assess and record property boundaries after the annual flooding of the River Nile.

In 1086, William the Conqueror commissioned the Domesday Book, which was essentially a large-scale survey to record land ownership and resources in England.

  • Etymology (the word’s origin)

The word “survey” entered the English language in the late 15th century. The term comes from the Old French word surveer, which means “to look over” or “to oversee,” from the Latin supervidere, composed of super- (meaning “over”) and videre (meaning “to see”).

At first, it referred only to the act of inspecting or examining something carefully. By the 18th and 19th centuries, its meaning evolved to include the systematic gathering of data on opinions, behaviors, and other relevant topics.

‘Survey’ and Its Parts of Speech

Let’s take a look at the various parts of speech related to ‘survey,’ along with their meanings and example sentences to see them in context:

  • Survey (noun)

A systematic method of collecting data, as described in this article.
Example: “The company conducted a customer satisfaction survey.”

  • Surveyor (noun – person)

A person who carries out a survey, especially in the context of land surveying or data collection.
Example: “The surveyor measured the land boundaries for the new development.”

  • Surveying (noun – subject of study/Topic)

The profession or practice of carrying out surveys, particularly land surveys, but also in contexts like collecting data for research.
Example: “He studied surveying at university before becoming a licensed surveyor.”

  • To Survey (verb)

To examine or look at something comprehensively; to gather information systematically by asking people questions.
Example: “They surveyed the area before deciding where to build.”

  • Surveyed (adjective)

Describes something that has been examined or assessed, usually by means of a survey.
Example: “The surveyed land is ready for development.”

  • Surveying (Gerund/Participle)

The act or process of carrying out a survey.
Example: “Surveying the market trends is essential for making informed business decisions.”

The word ‘survey’ has no adverb derivative form.

Final Thoughts

Surveys are a powerful tool for gathering information and gaining insights. Whether you’re looking to understand customer opinions, conduct market research, or gather data for a project, a well-designed survey can provide the answers you need.

By carefully crafting your questions and analyzing the results, you can make informed decisions that benefit your business or research.