Types of Surveys: Surveys can be classified by their method of data collection.
Mail, telephone, and in-person interview surveys are the most common. Extracting data from samples of records is also frequently done. In newer techniques of data collection, information is entered directly into the computers either by a trained interviewer or, ever more, by the respondent.
1. Mail surveys can be relatively low cost and are most effective when directed at particular groups with a common interest.
2. Telephone interviews are an efficient method of collecting data where timeliness is a factor and the survey is brief.
3. In-person interviews are much more expensive than phone and mail surveys but may be needed when complex information is to be collected.
Some surveys combine methods, sometimes using telephone surveys to screen for a sample for more in-depth surveying.
Surveys can also be classified by their content. Some focus on opinions and attitudes, while others are concerned with factual characteristics or behaviours. The more the information might be perceived as the basis for judging an individual, the more risk there is that respondents may not offer full and accurate responses.