Survey means “to look or see over or beyond”. In social sciences, it refers to the technique of collection of data through interview, questionnaire, secondary sources in the light of a specific research objective. Mark Abrams defines survey as “a process by which quantitative facts are collected about the social aspects of a community position and activities”. It is probably the best method available to the social scientist interested in collecting original data for purposes of describing a population which is too large to observe directly. Surveys could be very well used for descriptive, explanatory and exploratory researches.
According to Goode and Scale
The social survey is a cooperative understandingthat applies research techniques to the study and diagnosis of current social problem situation or population within definite geographical limits and bearing usually with a concern for formulation of constructive programme of social reform and amelioration.
According to E W Burgress
A social survey is the scientific study of condition and needs of a community for the purpose of presenting a constructive programme of social advance.
According to Mark Abram
Survey is a process by which quantative facts are collected about the social aspect of the community composition and activities.
According to Goode and Scale
The social survey is a cooperative understandingthat applies research techniques to the study and diagnosis of current social problem situation or population within definite geographical limits and bearing usually with a concern for formulation of constructive programme of social reform and amelioration.
According to E W Burgress
A social survey is the scientific study of condition and needs of a community for the purpose of presenting a constructive programme of social advance.
According to Mark Abram
Survey is a process by which quantative facts are collected about the social aspect of the community composition and activities.