What is Survey Research?
Survey research is a tool for collecting information from individuals about themselves. In order to make policy decisions or to understand public issues, such as public health concerns, we need to do that in an informed way. To be fully informed, we need input from individuals. Survey research using randomly-selected participants is one way to systematically collect information from people. We sometimes try to talk to you in person or we may call on the phone, send a questionnaire in the mail, or ask you to fill out a survey on the internet. The results from all participants are then compiled into group statistics that are used to inform discussions relevant to important decisions.
Survey research is a legitimate and scientific process of acquiring data and opinions from the public. Researchers seek to determine the public’s opinion regarding products, issues, candidates, and other topics. Such information is used to develop new products, improve services, influence policy, and is used by health care providers, the government, airlines, private businesses and others. The survey research process is necessary to improve or maintain quality of life.
