Surveys and Questionnaires

Synonyms

Census; Interview; Poll

Definition

Research tools that systematically collect information using a variety of methods.

Introduction

Surveys are a systematic way to collect information and data about the same variables for multiple individuals, which can then be compared. While methods of data collection within surveys can vary, questionnaires are commonly used. Questionnaires are a series of questions which are used to collect responses regarding demographics, emotions, behaviors, and/or thoughts. Researchers can choose if they want responses to be made from a set of options, such as in Likert-type scales, or if they want the questions to be open ended, such that the participant formulates their own answer which is often coded to a scale afterward. Surveys and questionnaires can be administered either in person or remotely, using a variety of methods, such as paper and pencil, telephone, electronically through the Internet, or a combination thereof.

There are several benefits...