What is a survey?
According to Kerlinger (1973), survey research involves the studying of large and small populations selecting and studying samples chosen from the populations to discover the relative incidence, distribution and interrelations of sociological and psychological variables. It is a method of obtaining information about a population from a sample of individuals. Surveys can provide a quick, inexpensive and accurate means of obtaining information from a large group of people. If you want to know about the opinions, attitudes and perceptions of respondents, the survey is an appropriate method of collecting data. Besides, describing surveys can also be used to explain the relationship and differences between variables. The term sample survey is often used because a sample which is representative of the target population is used. The survey method is widely used in the social sciences, education, business and medicine. Basically, information is obtained by asking people questions either orally or by responding to a written paper or computer screen concerning:
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What they know? (Who is the prime minister of New Zealand?)What they believe? (Should students be given freedom to express themselves?)What they expect? (Do you think you expect to be a famous person?)What they feel? (Do you think your school principal is fair?)What they have done? (How often do you use the computer in a week?)What they plan? (Do you intend to continue studying or work?)