Which statement defines a survey?

Which statement defines a survey?

• A. The use of a questionnaire or similar methods to gather data from a populus
• B. A long-term experimental study with random assignment
• C. A theoretical analysis without data
• D. A census

Answer: (A)

Surveys are about collecting information by asking people questions to learn about a group. The standard way this is done is with a questionnaire (or similar methods like interviews) to gather data from a sample that represents a larger population. That description fits the statement about using a questionnaire to gather data from people. The other ideas describe different research approaches: an experiment with random assignment involves manipulating conditions and testing cause-effect, not just asking questions; a theoretical analysis works with reasoning without collecting data; a census tries to obtain information from every member of the population and isn’t the typical survey method, which usually relies on sampling.

Surveys are about collecting information by asking people questions to learn about a group. The standard way this is done is with a questionnaire (or similar methods like interviews) to gather data from a sample that represents a larger population. That description fits the statement about using a questionnaire to gather data from people.

The other ideas describe different research approaches: an experiment with random assignment involves manipulating conditions and testing cause-effect, not just asking questions; a theoretical analysis works with reasoning without collecting data; a census tries to obtain information from every member of the population and isn’t the typical survey method, which usually relies on sampling.