survey research

n. Survey research is a rigorous quantitative methodology employed by social scientists to collect information that can be used to estimate the characteristics of defined populations and/or test research hypotheses. The varieties of survey research are highly diverse. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal, or panel, survey designs are common. Although most surveys are of individuals, many other units of analysis are also examined, including social networks, discrete and random events, and various organizational structures, such as businesses, hospitals, schools, and political jurisdictions. More complex, multilevel survey research, in which information is collected and organized at two or more levels (e.g., from surveys of both employers and employees), is also becoming commonplace. Survey research is routinely conducted using a variety of different modes, including face-to-face and telephone interviews and self-administered mail and Webbased questionnaires. Types of phenomena commonly measured via survey research include the behaviors, attitudes, opinions, and other qualities of the individuals or units being studied. – TPJ