A survey is a research method used to collect data from a pre-determined group of respondents, i.e., a sample. It is used to obtain information about the preferences, opinions, etc., of the ‘sample’ population. It makes use of tools like questionnaire, checklist, interviews, etc. Survey method is employed by social psychologists, industrial psychologists, etc. The researcher must ensure that-
- sample of respondents is representative of the population.
- questions should not be ambiguous.
The disadvantages of survey method are:
- it is a very subjective method,
- it lacks reliability.