ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on descriptive inquiry involving survey research. Survey is a popular research methodology frequently used by social scientists to collect information about a particular group’s views, attitudes, behaviors, and demographics. Surveys may be categorized as census or sample, based on the persons who are targeted as respondents, and they also may be categorized by the number of iterations or moments in time at which they are administered. Cross-sectional surveys and longitudinal surveys are the two design types defined by the frequency with which the surveys are administered. Questionnaires are written surveys completed by respondents using electronic or paper-and-pencil techniques. Questionnaires can be completed individually or in a group format by a person trained to lead the administration process. Interviews are question and answer sessions involving direct interaction between the researcher and the respondent. Interviews may be conducted in-person, via telephone, or via some other form of technology.
