Survey is a descriptive method of research. It is used to measure all those that cannot be directly observed like feedback and opinions. It can use questionnaires or direct interview to  the people concerned. In order to collect data, survey has the two options and these are to use an open-ended question or multiple choice.

The two basic types of surveys are cross-sectional and longitudinal. In cross-sectional, a group of people is looked at to gather information in a single point of time. The longitudinal survey is gathering data at multiple points in time. Since internet is available in different countries, an online survey can reaches even the other side of the world. If you are looking for a more detailed information, paid surveys can be done but its still cost effective since there is no need to talk over the telephone for a long period of time which will increase phone bill or sending snail mails which will cost a postal fee, printing fee and even unsure if the respondent will answer the survey on time. The margin for errors or misunderstood question is lessen since the respondents do not feel hurried and may take their time to think before moving on to the next question.

The kind of survey to use still depends on how you want to see results. It depends on the time you need and the availability of resources. A manual survey takes too much time and effort. A person have to go to a specific place or group of people in order to conduct a survey. Too much time and effort must be used to collect, distribute and create manual surveys.

The newest and fastest way to collect data are through online survey. It has a higher rate response since many people are now into internet. The quality of final data for customer satisfaction survey for example is higher since the panelists are convenient when answering.

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