| Statistical Surveys: | | | | above, other surveys can be classified by how |
| Statistical surveys are used to collect data about | | | | they are delivered to the population. |
| a population. Popular types of statistical survey | | | | Telephone Surveys: |
| are opinion polls for elections, market research for | | | | These used to be one of the most popular ways |
| products, services or even political parties, and | | | | to gauge public opinion since they were relatively |
| even government sponsored surveys. Statistical | | | | low in cost. They are, however, limited in what |
| surveys tend concentrate on extracting facts, for | | | | they can do as you cannot ask the responder to |
| example how many rooms are in your house, but | | | | view, smell, touch or physically interact with the |
| they may also ask for opinions, although this is | | | | product. Many people are also actively opting out |
| rarer since opinions are difficult to analyze | | | | of these types of surveys as they have become |
| statistically. | | | | perceived as intrusive as the company has to call |
| Statistical surveys, by their very nature, are | | | | the responder, often at an unspecified time. |
| regular and highly structured. They are designed | | | | Mail Surveys |
| not to be biased, and so that each question does | | | | As you might image, these surveys are |
| not have an influence on subsequent answers | | | | conducted by post. Bulk mailshots can actually be |
| given. Reliability of data obtained is paramount in | | | | very cost effective, and can be completed at |
| statistical surveys, and therefore, they are often | | | | whatever time suits the respondents, but they do |
| simple, clear and comprehensive without being | | | | take time to get a reasonable amount of |
| leading. Statistical surveys tend to be multiple | | | | responses back the surveying company; |
| choice. | | | | sometimes weeks or even months. Green issues |
| Serial Surveys: | | | | have made these types of survey less appealing |
| Serial surveys are used to track changes of | | | | to many companies nowadays. |
| opinion, or attitudes over a period of time. They | | | | Online Surveys |
| may be given to a group of people at the same | | | | The fastest growing and most popular method of |
| time, this is called a cross-sectional survey as it | | | | performing surveys today. Online surveys are |
| takes a cross-section of the population. | | | | instant and can also be easily targeted. Being |
| Alternatively, they may be aimed at a single | | | | automated also means a lower cost to the |
| person over a period of time, a process known | | | | surveying company, and this can be passed on in |
| as a Longitudinal survey. | | | | the form of incentives, sometimes cash, the |
| As well as the broad type of surveys listed | | | | people responding to them. |