15 Process in conducting a survey

S. Amsamani

1. INTRODUCTION

Data is the pathway to any type of research work. It contributes towards the progress of a research and binds the success and failure of any research. The data required is collected using different tool or methods. Each method has its own advantage and disadvantage but still all the method contribute toward one goal as pooling the information or data needed for the research. This collection of data can be carried out through a survey. A survey is the simplest method of data collection. It is commonly used in all social researches. The main advantage of survey method is it enhances the collection of data in a very simple manner namely asking question and collecting the answers and documenting the same in a systematic manner for future statistical analysis so as to prove facts for or against the designed research. It is also of described as a part of descriptive method of data collection.

2.  OBJECTIVES

• To help the viewer to understand the importance of survey method of data collection
• To gain knowledge about the process to be followed for conduct of a survey.

 3.  DEFINITION

Survey can be defined as a simple tool used to collect information with a definite purpose using techniques like face to face interviews, data collection through mails. It can be described as answers collected for a list of questions framed for a specific goal or proof of hypnosis. It is used to collect information about opinions, attitudes, beliefs, norms, values, assess thoughts and social parameters of a geographical area or different areas for comparisons.

Surveys are very common in subjects such as, sociology, management studies, psychology, health, languages, marketing, and demographics. In case of science subjects it is sometime used as a pilot study or the base for selection of raw materials or samples.

Survey may be carried out using different methods like printed questionnaire, over the telephone, by personal mail or e-mails, in personal interview or on the web. The success of a survey depends upon the sample selection. Surveys can be carried out for a specific research or for limited data collection or it may be carried out in a large area with widespread goals. Correct sample selection is the base of any research as it allows one to generalize the findings.

3.1 Advantages of Survey

In the modern day survey is carried out using various method like telephone mobile, on line, email, social media, forms which are every simple and cheep cost wise.

Large group of response can be covered in short time duration. When the group is large the quality, accuracy and validity of the data is also ensured.

This method helps to cover extensive study to draw specific conclusions and make effective decisions.

Survey is very flexible method because there are many techniques like paper surveys, telephone surveys, and face-to-face interview. Based on the needs the techniques can be selected or even two or more methods can be combined.

Example – To collect data with reference to effect of demonstration on small scale industries in Tamil Nadu, a researcher can select 5000 samples out of which he can first a prepare a questionnaire and distributed it to small scale industries through mail for urban samples where most of the samples will be able to read and write but a part of the survey can be carried out a face to face interview in rural areas where the owner may not understand the questionnaire.

The success of any research depends upon the truth of the data. In survey technique there is more opportunities to check the validity of data by stating that the data collected is for research purpose only and will be kept as a confident data. Hence survey method is more dependable.

3.2 Types of Surveys

Survey is the basic method of data collection and it can be carried out by different methods. The most common methods are either by interview, or by questionnaire methods. Both of them vary based on the type of data to be collected, the samples from whom data has to be collected their background, the selected area and above all the expenditure involved.

3.2.1 Interviews

This is one of the most costly methods of data collection. Here in the data need to be collected is dotted down, later a list of questions are framed based on the way one can collect the required data from the selected samples by posting the question and making them answer the same.

3.2.1.1 Face to Face Interview

Interview can be face to face where in the selected sample is interrogate either at his house or work area or in the interviewer work area and the question already framed are asked and the answers are noted down. In case the questions are not understood by the sample then it is explained hence the collection of accurate data is ensured. This method is costly as it involves a lot of travel. But in case of recruitment of employers, this is the best method as one can judge the individuals capacity also. In spite of the cost this method gives the best result as the data collection is very accurate.

3.2.1.2 Telephone Interview

This method can be rightly said to be similar to that of a face to face interview. In this case also a set of questions which can call out answers towards the required data are listed, pre-checked. Then the samples are called over the phone, objective of the research are first explained, later based upon the individuals interest and free time, a survey call is made and the framed questions are spelled out one by one and the answers are recorded. This is also cheap and can cover large area within short time duration. This method will make one feel that he/she is important and ensures truthful and focused answers. But since there is no personal observation, mal practice or a group answer can also be given. The pleasantness of the person interviewing is very important.

3.2.1.3 Questionnaire

It is a simple and most commonly used data collection method followed in almost all type of social researches. It is also known as dumb survey technique since the questions are in a written format and it is handed over to the sample and he/she has to fill in the forms rather answer the questions and return the forms back within the stipulated time. In the digital era the questionnaire are sent through e-mails also, which reduces the cost of printing and postage in case the samples are out stationed. The main drawback of this method is mishandling of the questionnaire, not answering the question which is not understood and the selected sample should be educated.

3.3 Conducting a Scientific Survey

• Spot out and develop a research topic
• Study the need for the research
• Decide the types and size of research sample.

The type of sample will mainly depend on the area and tile of survey. Example

• Have a clear idea about what is already available in the specific research, and establish a link with resources, area tool for research and get a broad review.
• Dot down points and make suitable notes as a base for review journal publication
• Looking out for fund is one of the most vital parts of a research, therefore once there is a clear idea about the data needed, check for the units or companies, government agents who will be needed these data. If such agents are identified you can approach then for funds. Apart there are a large number of associations, research institutions, industries and government bodies who are ready to fund good researches. Considering these facts funding should be perused, which will help in carrying out the data collection without any financial difficulties.
• Plan the work process –How to carry out the research. Based on the review of literature, discussion with subject experts, reading related research work one will be familiar with the selected topic, the challenges to be faced, the problems that might arise along the survey, therefore the research should provide flexibility to change or rearrange the steps in the research process.
• Selection of method of conduct of the survey- Face to face interviews, telephone interviews or questionnaire method.
• Train the interviewers– Survey is a challenging and to get the best data training the person who is going to collect the data is a must. This will give one the idea of hoe to collect data from whom and so on.
•  Prepare the interview schedule or questionnaire as per the requirements.
• Confirm the validity of the interview schedule or questionnaire. – Select the appropriate tool. Use the tool- Pilot Study- Do a trial run. Circulate the framed questionnaire among friends and relatives, and then try collecting the data. Based upon the data collected and feedback from the member modify the questionnaire and frame the final one.
• Discuss and decide the means of collection of data example in case of a questionnaire whether it is going to be done by e-mail or postal/courier.
• Conduct the survey.

Select the place Example If the face to face survey is to conduct at a metropolitan city like Mumbai and the samples from all over the country, the interview can be conducted as video conference also which will reduce the cost also. But in case the survey is about a data collection among school children the face to face interview can be conducted in the school itself.

Select suitable time to conduct the survey is very important because only if the sample is at ease he/she will be in a position to give correct answers – Example In the second case where school children are the samples the data collection should be done during the school hours or one to two hours before or after the school hours, in the school campus itself. In case the survey is on house hold if it products and if is to be collected from house wives it should be done when they are free from the regular house hold activities.

•  Check the process from time to time.

  Understand the objectives and depth of the survey- Check the question asked and note if the answers are matching with the objectives needed as an when the survey is conducted.

Set the parameters of a survey. Work and check on – when to start and stop the surveying process. Based on the number of samples, check the number of persons involved as both interviewers or data analysts sorts and frame out a time chart. Frame the guidelines to follow but be flexible – Like when a questionnaire is filled by a set of school children and the instruction is to fill the form in black ink pen and if one or two students does in some other colour ink pen or pencil allow them to do so, since the motive is to get the answers required rather than upsetting the student or not permitting one student because he did not have black ink pen. In case of extra care, a black ink pen could be given along with the questionnaire to fill it and sample can be permitted to keep the pen as a token of love and remembrance. Though this will involve cost it makes the subject happy and at the same time help to create a better rapport and cooperation for future.

Check the answers to be in par with the objectives. In case you find a sample answering or talking unrelated matter slowing without his knowledge try to pull them back to the subject. In spite of the efforts taken if the sample is still giving un relevant answers you can mark the questionnaire and carefully remove this questionnaire. This is considered as in valid data. Thus in the very start an extra ten to twenty samples are to be included in the survey.

Usage of open and closed questions. Open question is one where the sample can give his own answers like, list the detergents you use for washing white clothes? In this type of question some samples may list5-7 detergents but some may only mention 2-3, so while consolidation of data there can be variation. Therefore closed questions can be used like a list of detergents seen in the market can be listed and you can ask the samples to rank the use of detergents as per the use and give a option as others at the end where the sample can fill in any other names also. This type of question helps to get more relevant data.

Check the order of question and include demographic questions. Example- Ask a question as whether one is employed before asking ones salary. Instead of asking whether one is married a question can be framed as “Please circle: Single / Married.”

Coverage of large samples or different areas across the country. When data has to collect from a large group at various parts of the country try have more number of data and check the number of samples interviewed. Be careful to use the local language where ever needed.

Note down every small detail – Documentation record maintainer is the key for good research.

Follow the rules and regulations. A view about the laws will help one to avoid police issues in the due course of the survey, like when you want conduct a demonstration on the roads and then collect their views about it, you need police permission to collect a gathering on the road.

Get professional review. Expert’s views about the data collected and what tool to used how to analysis the data how to interpret will improve the research. Therefore one can invite experts in the field and consult them.

Statically evaluation of the research. Try to include suitable statically tool like correlation when the relationship between two samples are needed. Example the sales and preferences of consumers towards a particular detergent.

Repot Writing – The final step in conduct of a survey is writing the report. This includes the need for the research, objectives, method followed, data, and inferences discussed and compared with similar studies.

3.4 Summary

To sum up survey is a simple, short and efficient tool used in data/information collection which is assisted by a list of question asked orally or printed mainly in social studies. It is the best method when a large data covering a huge area is required. There are three main types namely face to face interview, telephone interviews and questionnaire. Each of the methods has their own advantages and disadvantages. With reference to conduct of survey it is a long process which includes selection of topic, area to conduct the research, sample selection, their parameters, selection of method of survey, preparation of tool, pretesting, conduct of actual survey, rechecking the data collected, statically analyzing, drawing the results from the data collected and finally reporting and publishing the results. Great care and training call for the success of any survey.

Web links

• https://explorable.com/types-of-survey
• www.stat.wmich.edu/s216/book/node29.html
• https://study.com/academy/…/what-is-survey-research-definition-methods-types.html