Population and Sample Surveys Lesson

Recall from the previous unit that there are many different methods used to gather data depending on the context of the problem. In that unit the simulation method was discussed extensively. The table will help review the methods of data collection. In this unit the focus is on well-designed and reliable sample surveys and how to obtain them.

A survey is a non-experimental, descriptive research method. Surveys are useful when a researcher wants to collect data on phenomena that cannot be directly observed. In a survey, researchers sample a population. Basha and Harter (1980) state that "a population is any set of persons or objects that possesses at least one common characteristic." Since populations can be quite large, researchers directly question only a sample (i.e. a small proportion) of the population. To learn more about sampling techniques please view the lesson on Surveys and Populations by CLICKING HERE.

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