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Language and Ambiguity
I am on a committee that is writing a report. Part of the report is an analysis of solicited opinions. The previous report used the term “survey” applied to this requested opinion form (questionnaire) and I am asking the committee to use a different word.
The differences between the terms survey and questionnaire are claimed by some. They opine “survey” is intended for analysis of gathered data, where the questionnaire is merely a part. Also that the purpose of a questionnaire is not to gather data for analysis as a survey does. This is a ridiculous assumption.
Why would one be asking questions if the answers were irrelevant? (Don’t answer that…)
You may be able to tell by now I do not adhere to there being a distinction. On the other hand, while the term “survey” is ambiguous, “questionnaire” or “opinion poll” are not.
So “opinion poll”, “questionnaire”, and other terms I may not have thought of yet are my choice.
Are there any other objections to the use of the term “survey” to mean anything other than what we generally think when hearing or reading the word?
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11 Replies
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A questionnaire is a set of questions.
A survey is the process of collecting and aggregating the responses to the questions.
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Opinion Survey
Product Survey
Asbestos Survey
LAND SurveyAll are surveys. I think you’ll get a reputation of getting hung up on a word viewed by some as proprietary to our profession – it’s not.
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I’m with Tim. The word “survey” is appropriate. “Land Survey” would be another matter.
Perhaps “study” or “investigation” might also work.
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“Solicited opinions” describes what they actually do better than any other description.
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I’m with Tim. The word “survey” is appropriate. “Land Survey” would be another matter.
Perhaps “study” or “investigation” might also work.
Given the hassle they gave that guy about traffic light studies, Iƒ??m suprised the Oregon Board hasnƒ??t gone after the U of O English Department for offering ENG305 – A Survey of Elizabethan Drama ????
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Opinions have weight. Consider the neighbor’s opinions differently than the opinion of a professional; surveyor, engineer, attorney, planner or even a doctor. “Opinion survey” is sufficiently accurate.
Paul in PA
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I’m with Tim. The word “survey” is appropriate. “Land Survey” would be another matter.
Perhaps “study” or “investigation” might also work.
Given the hassle they gave that guy about traffic light studies, Iƒ??m suprised the Oregon Board hasnƒ??t gone after the U of O English Department for offering ENG305 – A Survey of Elizabethan Drama ????
it was a traffic light SURVEY, not study.
That was the problem.
(wink face)
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A traffic study involves what you can see, counting vehicles, types and directions.
A traffic survey is all of that plus questioning (surveying) every driver.
Or it could be the other way around.
Paul in PA
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“Solicited opinions” describes what they actually do better than any other description.
Exactly why I prefer unambiguous language. I answered my telephone one day and the person on the other end was asking if I would participate in a survey. In my confusion, I thought he was inquiring about a survey. He told me no, he was conducting a survey… I hung up.
Historic Boundaries and Conservation Efforts -
Ring ring…
Participate in a survey? O sure! That’s what I do for a living.
To get things started, I’ll need your address, and home telephone. And, your bank account number.
Last survey I participated in, I charged $2500. Are you wanting to make payments, or will you be paying by credit card……
Mmmmhmmm.
Have phun!
N
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I hope everyone has a great day; I know I will!
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