Different Stages in Social Survey

DIFFERENT STAGES IN SOCIAL SURVEY

1. Selection of Problem

In a social survey, selecting the problem is the first stage. Therefore, unless and until the surveyors are not sure of the nature, character and clarity of the problem, they should not embark upon a social survey. The social surveyor is not supposed to deal with every problem or any kind of problem. Rather, as a careful observer, the social surveyor must examine the clarity and definiteness of the problems he encounters in a community. Such a consideration must also take into account the practical and utilitarian aspects, which are significant in the life of a community. Therefore, when selecting the problem, the surveyor must be motivated by its significance, clarity, practical concern, and the accrual of tangible benefits to the community. Such a consideration about the problem is a sine qua non of any social survey.

2. Defining the Purpose

After the problem is chosen, the surveyor attempts on defining the objective of the survey by making the purpose transparent so as to give direction to proceed, because in the absence a crystal-clear definition of the aim the survey becomes directionless like a raddarless ship in the deep sea. The success of a survey and the capability of a surveyor are gauged only by the attainment of goals. Hence, when goals are not clearly defined, the surveyor will grop in the dark. The goal may be generic or specific; it may be to collect census data or, specifically, to understand the living conditions of the working class. In any case, the goal must be well-defined.

3. Defining the Problem under Investigation

After choosing the problem and defining the goals, the surveyor endeavours to determine the scope, nature, and character of the problem. At this stage, he provides the operational definitions of the terms and concepts associated with the problem and incorporated into the survey. For example, if the surveyor wishes to study the problem of drug addiction among college youths, he should define what he means by the term ‘drug addiction’. He should also clarify different types of drugs causing addiction and the quantity of drugs taken per day, indicating addiction.

4. Preparation of a Schedule

The constituent factors involved in the problem and its various elements need to be analysed so as to present a constructive programme. This necessitates the formulation of a detailed, systematic list to gather relevant information around and directly on the subject of study.

5. Constitution of a Commission

All the official surveys are undertaken after constituting a commission headed by a Director and some members who determine the policy and oversee its execution. The commission for the survey is empowered to collect various types of data relevant to the study. It also has access to classified material deemed appropriate for the survey. If the situation warrants, the commission may be divided and subdivided into various committees and subcommittees to deal with specialised matters. In case of controversy over a decision, the views of the majority prevail.

6. Setting Limits

Determination of scope is the hallmark of any scientific study. Understanding a problem requires a systematic investigation of a limited, properly defined subject matter. Unless the scope is determined before the beginning of a survey, no phenomenon can be studied properly. Determination of scope takes into account the political and administrative division, different economic levels, biological bases, bases of social status, geographic bases, etc.

7. Setting Time Limit

Not only the cost estimate and trained investigators, but also the time estimate is essential for any successful survey. Whereas some problems require an immediate solution, others may require gradual transformation, and some surveys may also need to be conducted within specific time intervals. The problems that are of topical importance undergo gradual change. But problems such as population displacement, resettlement, etc., need to be tackled immediately.

Certain statistics become irrelevant after a specific period of time. If governmental actions are not taken regarding the nature and extent of relief needed on the basis of those statistics obtained from the survey, the survey results become inapplicable thereafter. We may take into account the Census Commission's report. If it is not submitted promptly, the collected data will be irrelevant, as the populations of certain regions might have changed quantitatively and qualitatively.

The time limit should be fixed for each stage of the social survey, and it should be properly implemented. Otherwise, a delay in one stage will easily delay the completion of the survey. Along with the fixation of a time limit, the expenditure of money and energy is also a major consideration.

If the time limit is too short, the results may lack reliability due to hasty checks and cross-checks, lack of care, and the likelihood of missing. information etc. It is always wise to set a time limit, keeping in mind the convenience of the informants as well as the tools and techniques used to collect data. For example, different amounts of time are required for observation, questionnaires, interviews, biographical records, etc. Therefore, the time limit of a social survey should be set depending on the employment of each of these techniques.

Apart from the above considerations, the competency of the surveyor involved in the social survey should also be taken into account when fixing the time limit, as a well-trained and competent surveyor is more likely to take less time than a novice, an inexperienced surveyor, or an ordinary surveyor.

8. Decision about the Means of Information

Depending on the type of survey, different information-collection techniques are employed. The preliminary data collected through the primary survey are mostly obtained through questionnaires, schedules, and even through direct interviews with informants. On the contrary, secondary data are obtained from secondary surveys based on official and non-official reports, as well as from published and unpublished materials from primary surveys.

9. Determination of the Units of Survey

To free field workers from any dilemmas and ensure smooth data collection, the survey unit should be defined in clear, unambiguous terms. The units should be stable, harmonised, simple, and feasible to survey.

In a sample survey, the units chosen must be representative and adequate. Therefore, the units in a sample survey need a clear-cut definition. But when all the units are studied in a census-type survey, this requirement may not cause a problem.

10. Refinement of Data

As far as practicable, it must be determined before undertaking the actual survey as to what extent the materials collected can be refined. If it is a qualitative survey, the determination of accuracy and refinement should be directly proportional to the availability of manpower, finance and time. However, despite the availability of the maximum amount of funds, time, and manpower, it is never possible to achieve 100% accuracy in a qualitative survey. On the contrary, accuracy must be obtained to the last percentile.

11. Selection and Training of Field Workers and Researchers

When selecting the primary investigators, the nature and scope of the social survey should always be borne in mind. Intellectual acumen should not be the only basis of selection. Along with that, the selector should also lay emphasis on personal qualities such as a pleasant personality, a good sense of humour, tactfulness, and the ability to establish rapport with informants and the like. After their selection, they will need to be properly trained to deal with various types of informants in the field.

12. Preparedness for Cooperation of the Informants

Unless the cooperation of the informants is obtained, there will be problems of non-response and inaccurate information. Therefore, prior to the survey being undertaken, it is essential to build preparedness and responsiveness among the informants so that field workers can obtain accurate information.  The informants must be assured that their information will be kept strictly confidential.

13. Choice of Survey Techniques

The determination of survey techniques must be made before starting the survey, depending on the scope and nature of the survey. If questionnaires or schedules are chosen, they must be prepared beforehand to avoid delays in surveying.

14. Conduct of Field Work

After completing the requirements shown above, the field workers should be ready to visit the informants to collect data. At this stage, care must be taken to contact the informants, keeping their convenience in mind. Field workers should be properly trained to establish rapport with respondents to elicit accurate information. Supervision is also required for fieldwork.

15. Organisation, Classification and Statistical Analysis of Data

The data collected by the field workers under the supervision of the supervisors are then organised, classified and statistically analysed so as to be interpreted.

16. Drawing Conclusions

Conclusions are drawn from the analysed data. It is always necessary to take the help of competent and able researchers not only to draw conclusions, but also to elucidate the conclusions.

17. Graphical Representation

The findings of a survey may be represented graphically to create a lasting impression due to their attractiveness and ready intelligibility.

Graphs have the capacity to bring to light the salient features of data at a glance without straining one’s brain.

Herman V. Morse has mentioned the following ten phases of social survey in his work “Social Survey in Town and Country Areas.”

1. Definition of the purpose.

2. Definition of the problem to be studied.

3. Analysis of the problem in a schedule.

4. Definition of the area or scope.

5. Examination of all documentary sources.

6. Field work

7. Organisation, tabulation and statistical analysis of data.

8. Interpretation of the findings.

9. Deduction.

10. Graphic expression.