7.1.4 Surveys

Introduction

The textbook explains that a survey is a systematic or structured tool designed for data collection from a group of individuals. Usually, surveys are conducted through printed questionnaires, online forms, interviews, etc. In simple words, a survey is a way of asking questions to a group of people to collect information about their opinions, experiences, or behaviors.

Definition

A survey is a systematic or structured tool designed for data collection from a group of individuals. Usually, surveys are conducted through printed questionnaires, online forms, interviews, etc.

Main Idea

The main idea is that surveys provide a structured way to collect data from many people. They are more formal and structured than qualitative interviews and are used to collect feedback, reviews, and opinions from targeted participants. The textbook states: "Surveys are also used to collect feedback, reviews, and opinions from the targeted participants."

Core Concept

Key Features of Surveys Systematic/Structured: Well-organized and planned Data Collection Tool: Designed to gather information From a Group: Collects data from multiple individuals Multiple Methods: Printed questionnaires, online forms, interviews Formal: More formal than qualitative interviews Structured: More structured than qualitative interviews Feedback and Opinions: Used to collect feedback, reviews, opinions Statistical Analysis: Information becomes available for statistical analysis Reliable and Valuable: Ensures data is reliable and valuable

Methods of Conducting Surveys The textbook states: "In surveys, researchers use multiple methods of data collection." Methods Include: Printed Questionnaires: Paper-based forms1. Online Google Forms: Digital forms2. Telephonic Surveys: Surveys conducted over the phone3. Face-to-Face Surveys: In-person surveys4. The suitable method is used/preferred depending on the targeted audience.

Detailed Explanation

Why Use Surveys? 1. Reach Large Groups: Surveys can reach many people at once. 2. Standardization: All participants answer the same questions. 3. Quantifiable Data: Results can be analyzed statistically. 4. Cost-Effective: Online surveys are inexpensive. 5. Time-Efficient: Can collect data from many people quickly.

6. Anonymous: Participants may feel more comfortable sharing honest answers. 7. Flexible: Can be conducted in multiple ways. Steps to Create a Google Form The textbook provides steps to create a Google Form: i) Type "docs.google.com/forms" in your web browser . ii) Click on Blank form option to create a new form. iii) Click on the term "Untitled form" and type the name of the form. A blank question will be available in the form. By default, a multiple-choice question format is provided. However , you can change the nature of the question by clicking on it. iv) In the text box, click on "Untitled Question" and type your question. v) In the options section, give your options one by one. You can assign a score to each question if you want. vi) After adding all the questions, click on three dots in the top right corner of the form window and you can share the link with the participants. (Note: Google Form is saved automatically.) Example from Textbook The textbook provides an example of a survey to collect information about "the impact of usage of digital games and gadgets" among children aged 4-5 years.

Title: Impact of usage of digital games/gadgets among the children aged 4-5 years Description: This questionnaire is designed to get opinion from the parents about the impact of digital games/gadgets on their children. Table 7.1 (Page 197): Questionnaire for Parents' Feedback Question/Statement Strongly Agreed Agreed Not Agreed Neutral The children at the age of 4-5 years should have access to digital games/gadgets. Nowadays access to digital gadgets is compulsory for children. To use a smartphone/tablet by children is much better than playing outside with their peers. Use of digital content is affecting the cognitive level of your child positively. There is no harm in using digital games/gadgets for long hours e.g. 5-6 hours daily. Use of digital gadgets have negative impact on the social development of your child. What is the behavior of your child if you don't give him/her digital gadget?

How to Analyze: Count responses for each option Calculate percentages Compare across questions Draw conclusions Figure 7.5 (Page 196) Figure 7.5 shows surveys. It illustrates a person filling out a survey form.

Intermediate Level

In research, surveys are used to collect data from large groups. Example: Customer Satisfaction Survey Step 1: Define Purpose Measure customer satisfaction Step 2: Design Questions Multiple choice questions Rating scale questions Open-ended questions Step 3: Create Survey Use Google Forms Set up questions Step 4: Distribute Survey Send link to customers

Step 5: Collect Responses Wait for responses Step 6: Analyze Data Count responses Calculate averages Identify trends Step 7: Draw Conclusions Make recommendations

Important Points

• Survey = systematic or structured tool for data collection.1.
• From a group of individuals.2.
• Methods: Printed questionnaires, online forms, interviews, telephonic, face-to-face.3.
• Used for: Feedback, reviews, opinions.4.
• More formal and structured than qualitative interviews.5.
• Suitable method depends on targeted audience.6.
• Statistical analysis used to analyze results.7.
• Google Form can be used to create surveys.8.
• Steps to create Google Form:9.
• Type "docs.google.com/forms"
• Click Blank form
• Name