A survey is a research method used to systematically collect data from a large group of people, typically through structured instruments like questionnaires or detailed interviews. Its purpose is to gather quantitative or qualitative information about attitudes, behaviors, opinions, or characteristics within a target population.
Surveys can be conducted through various modes: face-to-face, telephone, online, or paper-based. They allow researchers to reach broad or specific audiences efficiently and generate data that can be statistically analyzed to identify patterns, trends, or correlations.
When designed and executed properly, surveys provide valuable insights that inform decision-making in fields such as marketing, social sciences, public health, and policy development. However, the quality of survey results heavily depends on the sampling method, question clarity, and respondents’ honesty.