ABSTRACT

Sample surveys are used by governments, international agencies, businesses, market research companies, universities, as well as social, health, economic and environmental research organizations to provide data on a large range of matters in many fields. Data on health conditions and risk factors, disabilities, social and demographic variables such as education, crime victimization, household income and expenditure, nutrition and exercise are obtained from surveys. The condition of the labor market is monitored by labor force surveys providing data on employment, unemployment, hours worked, occupation and industry of employment. Surveys of schools are used to generate data on children’s educational attainment, health, nutrition, exercise and alcohol and drug consumption. Surveys of hospitals are used to obtain data on patient experiences, satisfaction and adverse events. Surveys of businesses provide data on sales, investment, profits, employment, job vacancies and business confidence, to provide information on business conditions for the entire economy or particular segments of it and as input to calculations of estimates of gross domestic product. Surveys are used to gauge public opinion and measure the current level of support for different political parties. Television viewing and ratings are measured using a sample survey. Surveys of farms are used to provide data on land use, crop production and farm income. Environmental surveys are used to estimate animal abundance, air pollution, distribution of pests and weeds, erosion and soil composition. Customer surveys are used to assess satisfaction with products and services and buying and usage patterns. Surveys are used to assess staff satisfaction and opinions. Tourism surveys are used to provide data on travel and related expenditure. Surveys are even used to assess the coverage and quality of a country’s population census.