Survey
Topic: Economic Data: Census, NSS, Surveys and Statistical Tools · NCERT: Class 9, Ch 8 "Building Blocks in Economics: The Problem of Choice"; Class 11, Ch 2 "Collection of Data"; Class 11, Ch 8 "Use of Statistical Tools"
Meaning
A survey is a method of gathering information from individuals to collect data for a clear purpose. The information may come from the whole population or, more often, from a sample. Answers are gathered with a questionnaire, through modes such as personal interview, mail, telephone or online. Surveys are the main way to collect primary data.
Example
A firm surveys consumers before launching a new product, and a political party surveys voters about a candidate. At the national level, NSO's Periodic Labour Force Survey is also a survey. It reported an unemployment rate of 3.2% for 2023-24.
Don't confuse with
- Questionnaire: this is only the list of questions. The survey is the whole data-gathering exercise.
Related concepts
- Primary data
- Secondary data
- Variable
- Observation
- Questionnaire
- Enumerator
- Informant
- Closed-ended question
- Open-ended question
- Leading question