Survey Research: Definition, Benefits, and Types

Survey research is a quantitative research method used for collecting data from a set of respondents. It involves the use of standardized questionnaires or interviews to systematically gather information about people’s preferences, thoughts, and behaviors. This article explores the definition of survey research, its benefits, and the different types of surveys utilized in research studies.

Definition of Survey Research

Survey research, as defined by WhatIs.com, is “the collection of data attained by asking individuals questions in person, on paper, by phone, or online.” It is a widely used research method that allows researchers to gather data from a large number of respondents efficiently. Surveys provide valuable insights into various aspects of human behavior and are particularly useful for studying attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.

Benefits of Survey Research

Survey research offers several benefits that make it a popular choice among researchers. These benefits include:

Low cost: Surveys are a cost-effective way to collect data compared to other research methods.
Large population samples: Surveys allow researchers to describe large populations by sampling a smaller group.
Measurement of unobservable data: Surveys are an excellent tool for measuring a wide variety of unobservable data, such as attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.
Remote data collection: Surveys can be used to collect data from a population that is too large to observe directly, covering large areas or entire countries.
Convenience for respondents: Questionnaire surveys provide respondents with the flexibility to respond at their convenience, making them preferred by some participants.
Reach specific population groups: Surveys, particularly interviews, can be the only way to reach certain population groups, such as the homeless or illegal immigrants.
Detection of small effects: Large sample surveys can detect small effects and allow for comparative analysis of population subgroups.
Economical: Survey research is more economical in terms of time, effort, and cost compared to other methods like experimental research and case research.

Types of Survey Research

There are two primary types of survey research: questionnaire surveys and interview surveys.

Questionnaire Surveys

Questionnaire surveys involve respondents completing a set of questions in writing. These surveys can be administered through various methods, including mail, group-administered sessions, or online platforms. Questionnaire surveys offer several advantages, such as standardized data collection, ease of data analysis, and the ability to reach a large number of respondents simultaneously.

Interview Surveys

Interview surveys involve an interviewer asking questions and recording verbal responses provided by respondents. Interviews can be conducted in person, over the phone, or in focus groups. This type of survey allows for more in-depth data collection and provides opportunities for clarification and probing. Interview surveys are particularly useful when studying complex topics or when researchers require qualitative data.

In conclusion, survey research is a valuable quantitative research method that allows researchers to collect data from a large number of respondents efficiently. It offers several benefits, including cost-effectiveness, the ability to reach specific population groups, and the measurement of unobservable data. The two main types of survey research, questionnaire surveys and interview surveys, provide researchers with different approaches to gathering data depending on the research objectives and the nature of the study.

Sources

Cogentica. “Facts About Survey Research.” Cogentica. Available at: [https://www.cogentica.com/about-survey-research/](https://www.cogentica.com/about-survey-research/)
Lumen Learning. “Chapter 9 Survey Research.” Research Methods for the Social Sciences. Available at: [https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-hccc-research-methods/chapter/chapter-9-survey-research/](https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-hccc-research-methods/chapter/chapter-9-survey-research/)
QuestionPro. “Survey Research: Definition, Examples and Methods.” QuestionPro Blog. Available at: [https://www.questionpro.com/blog/survey-research/](https://www.questionpro.com/blog/survey-research/)

FAQs

What is survey research?

Survey research is a quantitative research method used to collect data from a set of respondents. It involves using standardized questionnaires or interviews to systematically gather information about people’s preferences, thoughts, and behaviors.

What are the benefits of survey research?

Some benefits of survey research include:

Low cost compared to other research methods
The ability to describe large populations by sampling a smaller group
The measurement of unobservable data, such as attitudes and beliefs
Remote data collection from large and diverse populations
Convenience for respondents, allowing flexibility in responding
The ability to reach specific population groups
The detection of small effects and comparative analysis of subgroups
Economical in terms of time, effort, and cost compared to other research methods

What are the different types of survey research?

There are two primary types of survey research:

Questionnaire surveys: These involve respondents completing written questionnaires, either through mail, group-administered sessions, or online platforms.
Interview surveys: These involve an interviewer asking questions and recording verbal responses provided by respondents, either in person, over the phone, or in focus groups.

How are questionnaire surveys conducted?

Questionnaire surveys can be administered through various methods, such as mail, group-administered sessions, or online platforms. Respondents are provided with a set of questions to answer in writing.

What are the advantages of questionnaire surveys?

Advantages of questionnaire surveys include standardized data collection, ease of data analysis, the ability to reach a large number of respondents simultaneously, and the convenience they offer to respondents in terms of response flexibility.

How are interview surveys conducted?

Interview surveys involve an interviewer asking questions and recording verbal responses provided by respondents. Interviews can be conducted in person, over the phone, or in focus groups.

What are the advantages of interview surveys?

Advantages of interview surveys include the ability to gather more in-depth data, opportunities for clarification and probing, and the collection of qualitative data. Interview surveys are particularly useful when studying complex topics or when researchers require detailed and nuanced responses.

What are some considerations for ensuring high data quality in survey research?

Ensuring high data quality in survey research involves implementing quality controls, such as monitoring the survey process, analyzing the data, and verifying critical components. Researchers may also use techniques like randomization, validation checks, and pretesting to enhance data accuracy and reliability.