{"id":175,"date":"2012-06-14T05:39:41","date_gmt":"2012-06-14T09:39:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/?p=175"},"modified":"2020-09-20T22:39:29","modified_gmt":"2020-09-21T02:39:29","slug":"what-are-surveys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/what-are-surveys\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are Surveys?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In today\u2019s fast-paced environment, we require a steady and accurate flow of information on our population\u2019s needs, behaviors and preferences. This critical need for constant information on the part of governments, businesses, and social institutions is exactly the reason why we place so much dependence on surveys.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The term \u201csurvey\u201d is often used to describe a method of <\/span>gathering information<\/span><\/a>\u00a0\u2014 in person, by phone, or online \u2014 from a group of individuals, which often makes up just a fraction of the population being studied.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Unlike a census, where all members of the population are studied, surveys gather information from only a portion of the targeted audience. Most surveys are not public opinion polls; rather, they are directed toward a specific administrative, commercial, or scientific purpose.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Surveys provide an important source of basic knowledge in various fields. Economists, psychologists, health professionals, political scientists and sociologists all conduct surveys. They study diverse matters such as income and expenditure patterns among households, the roots of ethnic and racial prejudice, the implication of health problems and voting behavior, etc.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\"Survey<\/p>\n

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Types of Survey<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Depending on the type of data you\u2019re collecting, who your target participants are, and your plans for the data, you\u2019ll need to use a survey that\u2019s the right fit. There are a few different types of surveys, and you\u2019ll decide which type to use based on which best fits your and your participants\u2019 needs and expectations.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Online surveys<\/span><\/b>\u00a0allow for quick distribution to a vast amount of people while keeping the data in one spot for easy\u00a0<\/span>analysis.<\/span>\u00a0Go for this method if you want speed and reach.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Telephonic surveys<\/span><\/b>\u00a0are more time consuming and demand more man power. However, these are a good option for those looking to create a more personalized experience with their participant and possibly ask follow up questions.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Paper surveys<\/span><\/b>\u00a0are the way to go when your participants may not have access to the internet and you\u2019re lacking the manpower to implement a telephonic survey. They\u2019re not the best choice if you\u2019re planning on importing the results to the computer for analysis as hand entering each survey can be time consuming.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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5 Advantages of an Online Survey<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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With smartphones putting the world at our fingertips and\u00a0WiFi\u00a0nearly everywhere we go, online surveys are the choice of many businesses and researchers. Here are 5 advantages of using an online survey:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Easy creation – <\/span>Download a template, rearrange questions, edit, drag and drop<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Cool customization<\/span> – <\/span>Make it your own with adding a logo, choosing a color that matches your brand<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Distribute to your heart\u2019s desire<\/span> – <\/span>With sending the link in an email, you can target the specific participants you choose. Looking for more participants? With a URL link that you can post anywhere on the\u00a0<\/span>web, people<\/span>\u00a0from around the world\u00a0<\/span>can\u00a0<\/span>fill out your survey.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Power to the Participants – <\/span>Online surveys allow participants to fill it out on their own time, whenever and wherever they want. This means that you don\u2019t need to meet in person to distribute surveys or collect data. Instead, you get to sit back and relax after you send it out.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Consolidated Data<\/span> – <\/span>Doing it all online in the same platform means that your data is all in one place, usually in an analysis friendly export. No loose paper in random places, no missing responses, no calculations by hand.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Benefits of Using a Survey Software<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

    There’s no shame in needing a little help along the way. In fact, using\u00a0<\/span>a survey software<\/span><\/a>\u00a0will probably show your peers just how smart you are by saving time and effort. If you’re still hesitant to use one, below are some benefits of doing so that might change your mind. Benefits may include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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