Types of Surveys

TYPES OF SURVEYS

1. Census Survey and Sample Surveys

In a census-type survey, all units of the research universe are contacted to collect data. On the contrary, in sample surveys, some representative units are selected to collect data. If the research universe is composed of homogeneous units, a sample survey is preferred because it requires less time, energy, and money. But if the research universe is heterogeneous, a census survey is more suitable.

2. General and Specialised Surveys

In the general survey, the entire community is studied broadly. On the other hand, a specialised survey attempts to unearth specific aspects of the community, such as unemployment, child labour, problems in the slum, hygienic practices, etc.

3. Direct and Indirect Surveys

Quantitative description is possible in direct surveys, such as demographic surveys. On the other hand, the indirect surveys are not amenable to quantification. For example, surveys on nutrition or health conditions are indirect. However, both types of social surveys have their own importance in the study of social problems.

4. Widespread and Limited Surveys

In a widespread survey, a very large area is covered across multiple aspects of the social survey's purpose. But when a survey covers a small area and usually confines itself to some specific questions, it is called a limited survey. Because it focuses on limited aspects, it maintains greater reliability than the widespread survey, which addresses various aspects depending on its purposes.

5. Primary and Secondary Surveys

As the name suggests, the primary surveys are undertaken afresh and the field workers collect data directly from the field. In primary surveys, the surveyor has the liberty to set the goals for procuring the relevant facts. On the contrary, in secondary surveys, the surveyor examines only the facts that are already available. It does not require collecting the facts afresh from the field through a new survey. From a reliability perspective, primary surveys are always more reliable than secondary surveys.

6. Initial and Repetitive Surveys

If a survey is conducted for the first time in an area, it is called an initial survey. Any subsequent surveys on the same social problem covering the same area are called repetitive surveys.

7. Official, Semi-Official and Private Surveys

Any survey conducted by governmental organisations is called an official survey, but when quasi-governmental institutions, such as boards, corporations, or universities, conduct a survey, it is called a semi-official survey. In the like manner, surveys conducted by private individuals, organisations, or agencies are designated as private surveys.

8. Regular and Ad-hoc Surveys

As their names suggest, the regular surveys are conducted at regular intervals without any discontinuity. In India, the SBI conducts such surveys. On the other hand, ad hoc surveys are not conducted regularly. Rather, these are conducted with a specific purpose, not regularly.

9. Public and Confidential Surveys

The data from some surveys are general in nature, and no secrecy is maintained in collecting or publishing the findings. Such surveys are therefore called public surveys. On the contrary, in some surveys, the data required are highly personal and require confidentiality. No information is revealed to the public. Such surveys are called confidential surveys.

10. Postal and Personal Surveys

If the data are collected by mailed questionnaires, it is called a postal survey. On the other hand, data collected through direct interviews with informants falls under a personal survey.