083 Surveys

Collection of self-reported information about thoughts, feelings, perceptions, behaviors, or attitudes

• This is an efficient tool for collecting a lot of versatile data in a short time frame, with results that can be analyzed statistically.

• Survey questionnaires can be either self-completed or read to participants and completed by the researcher.

• Interviews can be conducted in person, by phone, or through various communication technologies.

• Like any self-reporting, surveys may not accurately reflect true thoughts, feelings, perceptions, or behaviors.

• Surveys should therefore be carefully designed and administered and paired with complementary methods such as observations or contextual inquiry.

• There are various types of questions: closed/open, general/specific, factual, hypothetical, judgmental, and comparative.

• Questions should avoid leading to an answer or blaming the participant as wrong or at fault.

See also   Interviews • Questionnaires

Courtesy of Sarah Calandro © 2011

The “Produce Proposal Wall” used a survey method allowing customers to communicate what they want in the grocery store, while fostering dialogue and building community.